On February 21, 2025, the Department of Fisheries (DoF) organized the "Conference for civil servants, public employees, and workers for the Year 2024." This important event was co-chaired by Mr. Tran Dinh Luan, Party Secretary and General Director of the DoF, alongside Mr. Nhu Van Can, Chairman of the Trade Union of the DoF. The conference adhered to the principles set forth in the "Law on Grassroots Democracy Implementation 2022" and the "Regulations on Democratic Implementation in the Activities of the DoF," as stipulated in Decision No. 402/QĐ-TSVP, issued on September 26, 2024. Attendees included the DoF's leadership, civil servants, and employees from various departments and offices, as well as directors and heads of affiliated centers. The participation of trade union representatives and key organizational figures underscored the importance of the event in fostering collaboration and alignment within the DoF.
During the conference, General Director Tran Dinh Luan provided a comprehensive review of the DoF 's performance throughout 2024. He highlighted that the fisheries sector benefited from the strong and effective direction of the Government, the Prime Minister, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the Deputy Minister overseeing the industry. Strategic guidelines were issued in a timely manner, providing a solid foundation for the sustainable development of the fisheries sector. The organizational structure of the DoF was further strengthened, ensuring smooth management, operational oversight, and efficiency in production activities.
Despite these positive developments, the sector faced several significant challenges. The prolonged conflict between Russia and Ukraine, ongoing clashes between Israel and Hamas, and instability in the Middle East had a profound impact on the global economy, influencing trade, logistics, and overall market conditions. Additionally, natural disasters, such as Typhoon No. 3 (Yagi), directly affected fisheries production in northern provinces. The rising costs of essential goods, raw materials, and logistics created further pressure on the industry, particularly in the context of stagnating consumer demand and reduced production scales. Moreover, Vietnam's seafood exports continued to face the European Commission's "yellow card" warning, necessitating strategic adjustments and proactive solutions from the DoF.
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In response to these challenges, the DoF implemented a series of decisive measures to maintain stability and growth in the sector. The organizational structure was promptly consolidated in accordance with new decrees from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, defining the functions, responsibilities, and authority of various departments. Fisheries production and management operations were conducted in a well-coordinated manner, ensuring uninterrupted progress. The DoF also worked closely with local authorities to implement strategic development plans, enhance monitoring of fishing vessels at ports, improve seafood traceability, and introduce various solutions to stimulate growth and maintain macroeconomic stability. As a result, the sector's export turnover exceeded initial targets, marking a significant achievement in a challenging economic environment.
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One of the most remarkable achievements of 2024 was the breakthrough in aquaculture. For the first time, total aquaculture production surpassed 5.7 million tons, demonstrating the effectiveness of modern farming techniques and strategic planning. By the end of December 2024, the total estimated fisheries production reached 9.6 million tons, achieving 104.2% of the initial target and reflecting a 2% increase compared to the previous year. This included 3.85 million tons from capture fisheries and over 5.75 million tons from aquaculture. Additionally, the estimated export turnover for the fisheries sector reached approximately $10.07 billion, exceeding the target of $9.5 billion and representing a 12% increase from the previous year. These remarkable accomplishments were attributed to the DoF 's timely advisories to the Ministry, as well as the effective issuance of production management directives for both fisheries exploitation and aquaculture development.
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General Director Tran Dinh Luan emphasized the critical importance of food safety in aquaculture, adherence to good aquaculture practices (VietGAP), and the promotion of organic aquaculture. In 2024, the DoF worked closely with an EU inspection delegation and received positive recognition from the European Commission. This validation reaffirmed Vietnam’s position in the global seafood market, allowing the country to continue exporting its seafood products to the European Union. However, the General Director also stressed the need for localities to take stricter and more responsible actions to ensure long-term sustainability and compliance with international standards.
Looking ahead to 2025, the DoF has set ambitious yet achievable targets, based on export trends and global consumption forecasts. The total aquaculture area is expected to expand to 1.326 million hectares, marking a 2% increase from 2024. This includes 390,000 hectares dedicated to freshwater aquaculture and 937,000 hectares allocated for brackish and marine aquaculture, with a significant portion designated for brackish water shrimp farming. The total fisheries production is projected to reach approximately 9.609 million tons, maintaining stability while optimizing resource utilization. Within this figure, capture fisheries production is anticipated to decrease slightly by 5.2%, reaching 3.655 million tons, while aquaculture production is expected to rise by 3.5%, reaching 5.954 million tons. The DoF has also set a target export turnover of approximately $10.5 billion, reflecting continued efforts to strengthen Vietnam’s position in the international market.
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General Director Tran Dinh Luan acknowledged that achieving growth in the fisheries sector remains a complex challenge. Increased productivity often results in declining seafood prices, requiring the industry to adopt innovative strategies to balance supply and demand. He emphasized the need for dynamic, proactive, and flexible approaches to management and production, urging all stakeholders to remain committed to their responsibilities and adapt to the rapidly changing global landscape.
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In addition to production and economic goals, the DoF also prioritized commendation and award activities in 2024. The Party Committee of the DoF was recognized for "excellently fulfilling duties," with 20% of affiliated Party organizations achieving outstanding performance. Notably, no Party organizations were rated as failing to meet expectations. The Trade Union and Youth Union of the DoF were acknowledged for effectively fulfilling their roles, while over 90% of officials, civil servants, and employees were recognized as advanced workers. In recognition of exceptional contributions, the DoF proposed two individuals for commendation by the Ministry’s Reward Council, with recommendations for submission to the Prime Minister. Furthermore, nine officials received honors from the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, and no individuals or groups faced disciplinary actions.
As the conference concluded, representatives from various units participated in the Signing Ceremony of the 2025 Emulation Agreement, reinforcing their commitment to collective success. Numerous groups and individuals were honored with certificates of merit, commendations, and commemorative awards, highlighting the remarkable efforts and achievements within the DoF.
Ngoc Thuy (Hai Dang translated)