Vietnam’s Chính Advocates for Global Marine Cooperation at Blue Economy and Finance Forum
Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính delivered a compelling address at the plenary session of the Blue Economy and Finance Forum, a high-level event held on the sidelines of the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference, which opened this weekend in Monaco and France.
In his first-ever attendance at the UN Ocean Conference, Prime Minister Chính underscored Vietnam’s strong commitment to international collaboration for ocean sustainability, calling the sea not only a critical source of resources but also “the cradle of life and a space that connects humanity and nature across all nations.”
With over 3,000 kilometers of coastline, Vietnam sees the ocean as a central element of its national identity, he said, adding that developing a sustainable maritime economy is both a necessity and a strategic pathway for the country to achieve its goal of becoming a high-income, developed, maritime nation by 2045.
A Call for Global Action and Equity
The Prime Minister highlighted a stark paradox: although oceans cover 70% of the Earth’s surface, investment in marine conservation ranks lowest among the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Describing this as a wake-up call, he urged the international community to act with urgency, unity, and a holistic approach.
With a vision based on fairness, inclusivity, and sustainability, PM Chính proposed several key actions:
- Increase investment in marine science and practical applications;
- Promote technology transfer and joint research;
- Build a robust global data system;
- Enhance resource mobilization for the blue economy.
He articulated a collaborative model where:
- The State plays a leading role,
- Businesses act as pioneers, and
- The people are engaged companions.
International organizations should serve as catalysts, while developed countries are encouraged to provide support in establishing a sustainable blue ocean finance ecosystem. Vietnam, he stated, is ready to pilot such a model.
Vietnam’s Commitment to Maritime Leadership
Calling for enhanced intercontinental and transnational connectivity and improved global ocean governance, PM Chính emphasized that the United Nations must remain at the center, with international law as the foundation and cooperation as the driving force.
He affirmed Vietnam’s willingness to contribute actively to blue economic growth networks in the East Sea (South China Sea), a strategically vital maritime region. Despite global differences in political systems or development levels, he noted, all nations share a common mission: to preserve the ocean for present and future generations.
“As a maritime nation, Vietnam is a reliable, proactive, and responsible partner,” he said, emphasizing the country’s role in promoting green and sustainable marine initiatives and equitable blue finance models.
