Hanoi: Vietnam is working towards full membership of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), building on progress made in strengthening fisheries governance, improving data collection, and enhancing compliance with international regulations. The Department of Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, in coordination with the West Pacific East Asia Sustainable Pacific Fisheries (WPEA-SPF) project, held a national workshop in the central coastal province of Khanh Hoa on July 28 to review Vietnam's implementation of its obligations as a Cooperating Non-Member and discuss a roadmap towards full WCPFC membership.

According to Vietnam News Agency, the workshop was a pivotal event in assessing how Vietnam has been fulfilling its international commitments. The gathering focused on evaluating current practices and identifying necessary steps to ensure Vietnam's transition from a Cooperating Non-Member to a full member of the WCPFC. The discussions also highlighted the importance of aligning national policies with international standards to facilitate sustainable fisheries management and contribute to regional conservation efforts.

The ongoing efforts reflect Vietnam's commitment to sustainable fisheries and its strategic goal of integrating more deeply into international fisheries management frameworks. The collaboration with the WPEA-SPF project underscores the importance of regional partnerships in achieving these objectives, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement in data management and regulatory compliance.