Fishing has also been restructured to focus on seafood of high export value. A number of new fishing practices, such as oceanic tuna fishing, have been expanded into full-scale commodity production. Supplemented by State expenditure and preferential bank loans, fishermen have spent thousands of billions of VND building and refurbishing vessels and purchasing modern fishing equipment.

Sea fishing keeps increasing with the establishment of hundreds of cooperatives, groups, limited liability limited companies and private companies. Fishermen are a reliable force for the navy and the coast guard, with whom they cooperate in patrols and rescues and the pursuit of pirates and foreign vessels infringing upon the country's waters.

The industry has shifted towards expanding aquaculture and restricting the fishing output at a stable 1.5 million tonnes per year for sustainable development. To achieve this, offshore fishing should be boosted and a segment of coastal fishermen should focus on aquatic product farming.

Minister Ngoc said the sector is formulating an offshore fishing development strategy to 2010 that focuses on the assessment of marine resources and forecast of fishing grounds, thus ensuring logistic services and sustainable consumption. It will effectively apply scientific and technological advances in production and enhance international cooperation in technological transfer and personnel training.

All economic sectors, particularly non-State enterprises, will be encouraged to invest in production of high-quality breeds to ensure the supply of most of these breeds by 2010. Additionally, the State will support enterprises in building infrastructure facilities and to transfer technology.