The government demands decisive action against IUU fishing. (Source: VNA)

The government has issued Resolution No. 23/NQ-CP regarding the regular January 2026 Government meeting. In this resolution, the government calls for continued decisive action against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, urging the immediate organization of inspection teams to address IUU violations, with a firm resolve to lift the European Commission's "yellow card" at the earliest possible time.

Previously, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính signed Directive No. 03/CĐ-TTg on January 13, 2026, emphasizing the continued focus on combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The Prime Minister urged the maximum mobilization of time and resources to regularly implement key and urgent tasks against IUU fishing.

Recently, efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing have shown progress; the compliance awareness of most fishermen and businesses has improved; management of fishing vessels, monitoring of activities at sea, and traceability are gradually becoming systematic; and the detection, prevention, and handling of violations have advanced.

However, IUU remains a direct challenge to national credibility, seafood export activities, and the livelihoods of law-abiding citizens. There must be no complacency or superficial measures; no loopholes or gaps should arise in the organization and execution of duties.

Combating IUU and lifting the "yellow card" warning is an exceptionally important and urgent task, requiring the highest political determination and coordinated, decisive action from central to local levels. It is imperative to prevent any small group or individual from violating the law for personal gain or from exploiting, abetting, or covering up actions that tarnish the nation's image on the international stage.