At its 8^th Plenum, the 12^th Party Central Committee passed the Resolution 36/NQ-TW on “Strategy for the sustainable development of Vietnam’s marine economy until 2030, with a vision until 2045” in which it set the overall and specific goals to be achieved by 2030, with a vision until 2045.

The overall goal is to turn Vietnam into a powerful marine country, basically achieving the criteria of a sustainably developed marine economy. The country will form a marine ecological culture, proactively adapt to climate change and sea level rise; preclude the pollution and degradation of the marine environment, coastal landslide and erosion; and restore and conserve important marine ecosystems. The achievements of modern science and technology will act as the direct factor in boosting the sustainable development of Vietnam’s marine economy.

Concerning the specific goals, (1) the country will achieve marine and ocean governance and coastal zone management indicators in conformity with the international standards, reaching the level of upper-middle class countries in the world. Most of sea-and island-related socio-economic development activities will adhere to the principle of integrated management suitable to the marine ecosystem. (2) Sea-based industries will contribute about 10 percent and the economy of the 28 coastal provinces and cities will make up 65-70 percent of the country’s GDP. Marine economic sectors develop sustainably under the international standards; the country will control the exploitation of marine resources within the marine ecosystem’s resilience. (3) Socially, The human development index (HDI) of the coastal provinces and cites will be higher than the national average level. Per-capita income of these localities will be at least 1.2 times higher than that of the whole country. The islands inhabited by the people will be provided with a basically sufficient socio-economic infrastructure, especially electricity, freshwater, communications, and health and education services. (4) Vietnam will approach and make the fullest use of scientific and technological advances and emerge as one of leading countries in ASEAN in the field of marine science, technology and human resources. In some areas of marine science and technology, it will strive to reach the world’s advanced level. (5) The country will evaluate the potential and value of key marine resources. At least half of Vietnam’s maritime zones will be surveyed in terms of marine resources and environment and presented on maps of the 1:500.000 scale. A digitalized database on the sea and islands will be established, shared and updated. Measures will be taken to prevent and limit the impacts of flooding tides, saltwater intrusion and coastal erosion.

By 2045, according to the Resolution, Vietnam will become a powerful marine country, with the marine economy making important contributions to the national economy. It will proactively and responsibly participate in addressing international and regional issues of the sea and the ocean.

To conclude, with a scientific, comprehensive, systematic approach which stays close to the country’s development trend and reality, the Resolution has clearly expressed the Party’s resolve and the people’s aspirations for developing a sustainable marine economy and building Vietnam into a maritime powerhouse. Grasping and fulfilling the above-mentioned goals represent the responsibility of the whole Party, people and political system from Central to local levels, particularly the coastal localities.

Nguyen Duc Phu