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The ceremony was presided over by MARD Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien, who underscored the significance of this appointment for the sustainable development trajectory of Vietnam’s fisheries industry in the coming years. Both new Deputy Directors are seasoned professionals who have made substantial contributions to the Department, with a focus on sustainable development and efficient resource management.

Mr. Pham Quang Toan was born in 1976 in Hanoi and holding a Master’s degree, Mr. Toan has held several leadership roles, including Deputy Chief of Staff at MARD, Deputy Head of the Agricultural Projects Management Board, Director of Planning and Finance at the Department of Fisheries, and Head of the Planning-Finance Division at the Department of Fisheries. Specializing in financial and planning management, Mr. Toan has led numerous significant projects, particularly in aquaculture development and resource allocation. He is regarded as a foundational figure in several large-scale fisheries development projects and is pivotal in strategic planning to enhance the economic efficiency of the sector.

As the fisheries sector faces financial and resource challenges, Mr. Toan has been instrumental in providing valuable insights on budget allocation for sustainable development initiatives, overseeing financial controls for large aquaculture projects, and promoting green economic models. He has demonstrated a crucial role in managing and coordinating financial activities, ensuring that projects are executed effectively and on schedule.

Mr. Vu Duyen Hai, born in 1973 in Hung Yen and holding a Ph.D., brings extensive experience in fisheries management and anti-illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing efforts. Before his appointment, Mr. Hai held various senior positions, including Research Fellow in Fishing Technology at the Research Institute of Marine Fisheries, Deputy Head of Science Management at MARD’s Science, Technology, and Environment Division, Deputy Director of Fisheries Exploitation at the Department of Fisheries, and Head of the Fisheries Exploitation Division at the Department.

With deep expertise in fisheries exploitation, Mr. Hai has introduced many initiatives to improve fishing efficiency and resource conservation. He is a leader in promoting technology-driven management and monitoring systems in fisheries, helping reduce negative environmental impacts while developing sustainable exploitation models. Mr. Hai is also a direct participant in national programs aimed at preventing illegal fishing, enhancing Vietnam's reputation in international fisheries markets.

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien noted that, as of October 2024, Vietnam’s seafood export value had reached USD 8.23 billion. "With two months remaining, if we can achieve USD 900 million each month, our annual seafood export target will be reached," he stated. He emphasized the immense potential of Vietnam's agriculture and fisheries sectors, adding, "With the Department of Fisheries gaining two new Deputy Directors—one focusing on infrastructure and the other on exploitation—they will work together in harmony, ‘closely united, tirelessly striving,’ ensuring a unified approach to furthering the honorable traditions of the fisheries sector."

Strategic expectations and future direction

With the appointment of two Deputy Directors, Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien expressed high hopes that the Department of Fisheries will strengthen its management capacity, improve the quality of fisheries development projects, and enhance oversight of exploitation activities. Under the leadership of Director Tran Dinh Luan, with Mr. Toan and Mr. Hai as Deputy Directors, the Department has set several strategic objectives, including intensifying exploitation management, strengthening IUU fishing controls, improving infrastructure, and implementing technology in fisheries management.

Combating IUU fishing remains the Department’s top priority. Both Mr. Toan and Mr. Hai are acutely aware of the challenges facing Vietnam’s fisheries sector in managing IUU issues. The government has set a goal to fully control illegal fishing activities by 2025 and achieve international recognition for fisheries management standards.

Expressing their gratitude, Mr. Toan and Mr. Hai conveyed their appreciation to MARD leaders, Department officials, and the entire fisheries workforce for their trust in assigning them these new roles. Both expressed their hope for continued support from MARD and the Department, committing to their utmost efforts to fulfill their new responsibilities. With their respective expertise, Mr. Toan and Mr. Hai will coordinate efforts to enhance marine resource management. Mr. Hai will focus on implementing direct monitoring solutions through satellite positioning technology (VMS) and advanced monitoring tools like the eCDT software currently being deployed. Meanwhile, Mr. Toan will continue to balance budget and planning requirements, ensuring resources for monitoring and resource protection activities.

Challenges and opportunities ahead

Mr. Pham Quang Toan and Mr. Vu Duyen Hai, in their new capacities, will confront significant challenges. Chief among these is meeting the stringent transparency and sustainability requirements of international markets. Currently, major markets like the European Union (EU) require that seafood products have a clear origin, free from illegal exploitation practices. This presents a substantial challenge, particularly as Vietnam is still under EU scrutiny for IUU fishing.

The appointment of Mr. Pham Quang Toan and Mr. Vu Duyen Hai as Deputy Directors represents a pivotal moment, bolstering the management capacity of the Department of Fisheries. With Mr. Toan’s financial expertise and Mr. Hai’s experience in exploitation management, the Department anticipates achieving its long-term objectives of protecting marine resources and fostering sustainable fisheries development that aligns with international integration requirements.

Hai Dang