Hanoi, Dec. 9 -- Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has directed ministries, sectors and localities to pursue the dual goal of combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing while fostering sustainable fisheries, thus safeguarding national reputation and interests and protecting the livelihoods of coastal communities.

The request was delivered at the 25th meeting of the National Steering Committee for Combating IUU Fishing on December 9, which was connected online with 21 coastal provinces and cities.

The committee reviewed progress in addressing IUU fishing, focusing on the issues raised by the European Commission (EC), the preparation of reports following the European Commission (EC) recommendations, and fisheries cooperation...