According to statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, approximately 1.8 million tonnes of plastic waste are generated in Vietnam every year, with between 0.28 - 0.73 million tonnes of this waste ending up in the oceans. Only 27% of plastic waste is recycled or repurposed by businesses and facilities.

More than 50% of the coral reefs in Malaysia's marine parks have been affected by mass bleaching caused by rising sea temperatures, the country's Department of Fisheries said in its announcement following a study conducted between April and June.

All countries need to make stronger commitments and take more drastic measures for the sustainable development of the ocean economy, Deputy Prime Minister Le Van Thanh addressed the International Conference on Sustainable Ocean Economy and Climate Change Adaptation.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc proposed an initiative to form a global network on sharing data on oceans and sea, towards a global framework on preventing marine plastic waste at a discussion on climate and environment within the framework of the G20 Summit in Osaka on June 29.

Vietnam has called on countries to continue making active and practical contributions to the maintenance of peace and stability as well as respect and implement relevant international legal obligations on territorial waters and oceans, according to spokesperson of Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang.

Vietnam proposed a resolution on strengthening intra-regional cooperation to build an ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) of equal development and inclusive growth at the second plenary session of the 38th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) General Assembly in the Philippines on September 19.

The International Fleet Review (IFR) took place in India on February 6 with the participation of nearly 50 countries, including Vietnam.

The 4th EAS Youth Forum kicked off in the central city of Da Nang on November 17.