The US Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Directorate of Fisheries (DFISH) on July 22 inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen Vietnam’s fisheries management and law enforcement capabilities.

US Ambassador to Vietnam Daniel J. Kritenbrink and DFISH Director General Tran Dinh Luan sign the MOU. Photo: US Embassy in Hanoi

INL technical assistance under this MOU will enhance the capacity of DFISH and the Department of Fisheries Resources Surveillance (DFIRES) through information sharing, best practices, and implementation of relevant technical programs and projects.

The MOU will also foster greater cooperation between Vietnam, US, and international law enforcement agencies to ensure sustainable living marine resources and combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Speaking at the ceremony, US Ambassador to Vietnam Daniel J. Kritenbrink said: “The United States has a great deal of experience in managing fisheries and enforcing regulations, which we are more than happy to share. We look forward to working together with Vietnam to strengthen the sustainability of its fisheries and support its fishers against illegal intimidation.”

Since 2015, the US and DFISH have worked together to strengthen Vietnam’s capacity for fisheries management and enforcement through technical training, study visits, and other assistance activities.

In February 2021, INL will transfer to DFIRES a training facility at Region 5 in Phu Quoc, which will significantly improve human resources capacity for DFIRES and the local fisheries enforcement units in Vietnam’s 28 coastal provinces.