U.S Donates Patrol Boats To Vietnam Under $12.5M Aid To Strengthen Maritime Law Enforcement

The United States has announced a $12.5 million aid package to support Vietnam in improving its maritime law enforcement and addressing illegal fishing.

It was unveiled by U.S. Ambassador Marc E. Knapper during a meeting with Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien on Phu Quoc Island.

The package includes the donation of small patrol boats, the establishment of advanced training facilities, and programs to enhance the skills of Vietnamese maritime law enforcement agencies.

The aid will benefit several agencies, including the Department of Fisheries Surveillance (DFIRES), the Ministry of Public Security, and the General Department of Customs.

During his visit, Ambassador Knapper also observed training drills conducted by Vietnamese fisheries and customs officers, many of whom were women.

The drills showed how the officers responded to maritime security challenges. Per the U.S. embassy, this initiative will promote a free and open Indo-Pacific and help Vietnam become stronger, more independent, and resilient.

Deputy Minister Tien appreciated the United States’ continued support, saying it will strengthen Vietnam’s ability to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

He said that the aid will help improve the capacity of Vietnam’s fisheries surveillance forces, enabling them to better carry out their duties.

Illegal fishing has been a long-standing issue for Vietnam, with vessels from the country often accused of operating in the waters of neighbouring countries.

Vietnam has been continuously pressurised by its neighbours and trade partners to address the issue. The European Union, one of Vietnam’s largest seafood markets, has warned of possible bans on fish imports if stronger action is not taken.

These warnings have already caused a significant drop in Vietnam’s seafood exports to the EU.

The timing of this aid package is also essential as Vietnam continues to face territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea. These disputes often result in skirmishes involving fishing vessels, coastguard ships, and law enforcement boats from both countries.

The U.S. embassy says that the aid reflects the shared commitment between the two nations to tackle regional challenges and ensure safer and more secure waters.

Recently, the U.S. has sanctioned a Gulf cartel of five members involved in criminal activities including illegal fishing, human trafficking and drug smuggling in the Gulf of Mexico.

The members run a large-scale illegal fishing operation that funds their other criminal activities. Per the Treasury, the cartel uses small, fast boats to cross U.S. waters, where they catch red snapper and shark.

These fish are then smuggled back to Mexico, where they’re sold and often exported back into the U.S. under false labels. The illegal fishing operations generate millions of dollars for the cartel every year.

References: Reuters, tuoitrenews

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