HCMC – The U.S. has provided US$12.5 million for Vietnam to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
The funding was announced by Marc Knapper, U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam, during a meeting with Phung Duc Tien, Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, on December 5. The meeting took place at the Region 5 Fisheries Surveillance Training Center on Phu Quoc Island, reported the Vietnam News Agency.
Managed by the U.S. Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, the funding is meant to address regional and global challenges.
The U.S. Embassy emphasized that the funding underscores Washington’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and its support for Vietnam’s independence and resilience.
Deputy Minister Tien expressed gratitude for the assistance, highlighting its importance in enhancing Vietnam’s fisheries surveillance and maritime law enforcement capabilities. He stressed that the funds would play a critical role in the ongoing fight against IUU fishing.
