The Path to a Sustainable Future for Vietnam’s Fisheries Industry
By the end of 2025, Vietnam’s fisheries industry is projected to achieve remarkable growth, reaching $10.7 billion in exports, representing nearly 30% of the total value of the agriculture and forestry sector.
According to Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment, Phung Duc Tien, export turnover hit $9.5 billion in the first ten months of 2025, marking a significant 16% increase compared to the same period last year.
Despite these promising figures, the sector faces pressing challenges that necessitate a transition toward a green and sustainable model to ensure ongoing growth.
Identifying Key Challenges
Vu Thai Truong, Head of the Climate Change, Energy and Environment Unit at UNDP in Vietnam, pointed out three major bottlenecks impacting the sector’s sustainability.
Lack of Technical Capacity: The sector currently lacks a standardized and reliable data system necessary for effective sustainability monitoring and reporting.
Financial Constraints: High investment costs and ineffective green finance flows hinder the ability of businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, to implement sustainable practices.
Poor Inter-Sector Coordination: Insufficient alignment among government agencies, industries, and stakeholders limits the sector’s ability to meet international environmental standards and gain access to high-value global markets.
These barriers ultimately restrict the sector’s capacity for growth and international competitiveness.
Proposed Solutions for Sustainable Growth
To combat these challenges, Vu emphasized the importance of designing an effective green finance mechanism that fosters a diverse and integrated ecosystem.
He recommended implementing preferential credit schemes, establishing environmental funds, and ensuring access to international climate finance.
Priority should be given to projects aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote circular economic practices, and connect with carbon markets to generate carbon credits.
In particular, investment in blue carbon projects, which focus on protecting and restoring marine ecosystems like mangrove forests and seagrass beds, could yield economic returns while enhancing ecosystem resilience.
The UNDP has been actively supporting Vietnam through various initiatives, including the BIOFIN Project and the Global Environment Fund’s Small Grants Programme.
Vu confirmed that the UNDP will continue its close collaboration with Vietnam to achieve its sustainability goals.
Progressing Towards a Green Marine Industry
The urgency for a greener approach within the marine industry was emphasized during the Vietnam Marine Economic Sustainable Development Forum 2025 held last month.
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha highlighted Vietnam’s commitment to deeper engagement in regional and global ocean protection initiatives.
While notable progress has been made in policies and investments, the sector continues to face challenges such as climate change, resource degradation, and marine pollution.
Tran cautioned that without a fundamental shift in mindset, Vietnam might not realize its full marine potential.
He affirmed that the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment will work closely with other ministries and local authorities to promote a green, circular, and low-emission marine economy while enhancing disaster preparedness and climate resilience.
