A seminar on sustainable sea economic development took place in NhaTrang city in central Khanh Hoa province, gathering 100 experts andmanagers in Vietnam and abroad.

As heard during theseminar, the total value of the maritime sector – generated primarilythrough oil and gas, tourism, shipping and aquaculture – accounted forup to 22 percent of the national GDP in Vietnam. The potential of otherindustries, such as ship building and oil processing, has yet to befully tapped.

Vietnam’s sea exploitation has facedseveral limitations with its capacity equal to only one seventh of theRepublic of Korea and one ninety-fourth of Japan.

Nguyen Chu Hoi, former General Director of the Vietnam Administrationof Seas and Islands , said advanced science and technology is thedriving force behind developing the sea economy.

Thegovernment ought to encourage international cooperation in the field,especially in green technology transfer, Hoi clarified.

According to Dr Tran Anh Tuan from the Ministry of Planning andInvestment, marine potential analysis and management reforms arenecessary for the sector’s long-term growth.

Participating experts highlighted sustainable development and aquatic reproduction.

The Khanh Hoa People’s Committee and the US Boston international forum co-organised the seminar.-VNA