PM calls for national resolve to defend sea and islands
(VNA) The Prime Minister has asked ministries, branches and localities to continue demonstrating great determination of the entire Party, people and army to defend Vietnam’s sovereignty, and sovereignty and jurisdiction rights to its sea and islands.
The PM made the appeal at a meeting held in the central coastal city of Nha Trang on June 8 in response to the World Oceans Day (June 8) and the Vietnam Sea and Islands Week 2011.
He emphasised the important role of sea and islands in the socio-economic development of most nations worldwide.
Sea and islands are becoming a huge economic resource and a new space for existence and proving their great significance in terms of national defence and security, said the PM, adding that the marine sector has made great contributions to the national development, representing 48 percent of Vietnam’s GDP.
However, he said, Vietnam is facing fierce challenges in defending sea and islands and in tapping marine resources and environment, such as degrading marine resources as well as marine environmental pollution.
He proposed ministries and branches complete the system of laws and mechanisms on sea and islands, marine resources and environment management in order to put in place a uniform synchronous legal foundation to effectively manage, preserve and exploit marine resources for national development and people’s interest.
He also said ministries, branches, socio-political organisations and local authorities should continue communication campaigns on the country’s sea and islands and marine resources and environment protection so as to increase people’s awareness on the issues and turn their understanding into practical activities.
The annual meeting, jointly organised by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Khanh Hoa central coastal province and the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, aims to educate the public as well as authorities of all levels on the role, position and potential of Vietnam’s sea and islands in national construction and defence.
At the meeting, eight individuals and 13 units were rewarded in recognition of their efforts in protecting sea and islands environment and resources./.
