Marine science and technology is branch of the national science and technology, which is very important to the socio-economic development in general, and to the marine economy in particular. Together with marine survey, this sector is a crucial premise serving as a mean and a momentum, changing both the quality and quantity of the marine exploitation for socio-economic development and the protection of seas and islands of the country.

Over the past years, grasping and implementing the resolutions, directives of the Party, particularly the Resolution No. 09-NQ/TW dated 9^th February 2007 on “Vietnam’s Sea Strategy until 2020”, the Resolution No. 20-NQ/TW dated 1^st November 2012 on the “Scientific and technological development for the cause of industrialisation and modernisation amid the conditions of a socialist-oriented market economy and international integration”, the Resolution No. 36-NQ/TW dated 22^nd October 2018 on “Strategy for the sustainable development of Vietnam’s marine economy until 2030, with a vision to 2045”, the research and development of marine science and technology has gained important achievements. In particular, the research, development and application of science and technology into the practice of marine sectors and industries have brought about high economic effectiveness, especially in the fields of fishery procession, aquatic breed production, environment protection and coastal erosion prevention, ice production from sea water for fishery preservation, the application of remote sensing technology in the survey and monitoring of water quality, the production of equipment for tuna fishing, the building of data of the marine eco-systems and life resources, etc. for marine economic development and seas and islands protection.

However, facing the requirements of socio-economic development in the 4^th Industrial Revolution, the research and application of science and technology in the marine economic sectors should be promoted and further developed with due attention and investment to bring about more realistic results. In the short term, it is necessary to grasp and realize the viewpoints, goals, tasks and orientations regarding marine science and technology that have been stipulated in the Resolution No. 36-NQ/TW (12^th tenure). It is necessary to have a sound perception of the role, position and importance of science and technology to marine economy; foster renovations, creativities and applications of the advanced scientific and technological achievements in the research and activities relating to seas and islands. Focus on the research and application of science and technology for marine economic sectors; emphasis should be paid to the enhancement of coordination among the sectors of fishery, oil and gas exploitation, maritime transportation, tourism, among others, and associate marine economic development with the protection of the seas, islands and the environment. Continue to study and propose mechanism, policies for developing marine science and technology; make plans of marine space, coastal economic zones under the model of port – city – sea; promote international cooperation to study and apply foreign experience in the investment and management of the basic survey and the research of marine science and technology; have investments in the infrastructure, allocating budget and high-skill human resource as a premise for the fast and sustainable development of the marine science and technology.

Thoroughly implementing the above measures will help develop marine science and technology to a new height, truly be the mean and momentum for marine economic development and the protection of marine environment and sovereignty.

Nguyen Duc Phu