Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinhsuggested the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) continue its support toVietnam in maritime development, particularly in management science andpersonnel training, at a reception for IMO Secretary General Kitack Lim inHanoi on May 12.

The PM spoke highly of the IMO Secretary General’sfirst visit to Vietnam, and thanked the United Nations (UN), notably the IMO –the UN specialised agency with responsibility for the safetyand security of shipping and the prevention of marine and atmospheric pollutionby ships, for their valuable contributions and support to Vietnam.

The Vietnamese Government hopes that the IMO will continueto be a pioneering international organisation in promoting maritime cooperationbetween Vietnam and other member countries, Chinh noted.

With a coastline of over 3,000km and many deep-waterports, Vietnam has great potential to promote the maritime industry, he said, attributingthe sector’s strong development over the past years to the IMO’s support.

Chinh called on the organisation and the SecretaryGeneral to maintain their assistance to Vietnam in raising its maritime capacityand turning such potential into advantages, thus practically contributing tonational socio-economic development, and promoting peace, stability, cooperationand development in the world.

He also called for their assistance in building andperfecting the maritime legal system, and joining and implementing relevant internationaltreaties in order to ensure navigation safety, security and freedom and protectthe maritime environment.

In reply, Lim expressed his admiration for andcongratulated Vietnam on its development achievements in various spheres.

He also commended the country’s vision, resolve, effortsand solutions in achieving the target of net zero emissions by 2050, andsuggested Vietnam further share its experience, cooperate with other member countries,and work together with the IMO in realising commitments to emission reductionand sustainable maritime development.

PM Chinh also briefed his guest on Vietnam’s advantagesin renewable energy development, saying the country boasts huge potential for windand solar energy, biomass electricity and hydrogen, among others.

He suggested the IMO roll out policies in support ofdeveloping countries, including Vietnam, in devising maritime developmentstrategies and planning schemes, building and consolidating institutions, applyingtechnologies, and personnel training.

Lim agreed with the PM’s proposals, pledging that theIMO will work to materialise them, especially in personnel training./.