This task was raised at the fifth nationwide conference of sea science and technology being held in Hanoi from October 20-22 by the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology.

Participants all agreed to promote sea science and technology as a driving force behind the effective and sustainable development of the maritime economy, contributing to Vietnam’s industrialization and modernization, and making Vietnam a maritime power which can enrich itself from the sea.

Delegates are divided into five sub-committees to discuss the contents of the conference and define the missions, targets, and content of maritime science and technology research under the national maritime strategy until 2020.

Dr.Sc. Duong Ngoc Hai, Vice President of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, said there are many challenges to using, managing and developing seas and islands, as well as exploiting marine resources. According to Hai, only a handful of sectors, localities and experts are fully aware of the role and position of the sea and maritime economy.

There is also the problem of maritime infrastructure, research facilities and equipment, and environmental protection.