VietNamNet Bridge - The government has decided to spend VND11.5 trillion ($547 million) out of a VND16 trillion ($762 million) package to build 32 ships for the coast guard and marine surveillance forces.

The cost guard force will have modern ships.

The remaining VND4.5 trillion will be used to build offshore fishing ships for fishermen. The decision was made last week, after the July cabinet meeting.

According to Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, the financial aid is to help improve the law enforcement capacity of authorized forces, and ensure fishermen’s safe and long stay in Vietnam’s waters, thus increasing their fishing harvest. The support will also help safeguard the country’s sea and island sovereignty, protect fishermen, and better perform search and rescue duties, as well as other important missions.

He pledged all possible sources to further improve the forces’ capacity and assist fishermen. The Prime Minister assigned the relevant ministries to complete a draft decree on supporting fishermen to build offshore fishing vessels.

The VND16 trillion package was approved by the Government under a resolution passed by the National Assembly in the last session in an effort to support fishermen and the law enforcement forces on the sea after China anchored its HD-981 oil rig in Vietnam’s waters.

Tran Cham