Vietnam is stepping up its maritime game, and the world is taking notice. Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Xuan Sang led the charge at the 34th session of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Assembly (A34), where Vietnam reaffirmed its commitment to global maritime priorities and deepened ties with key players like the UK and the US.
The IMO Assembly is the big league of maritime governance, convening every two years to set policies and budgets for the next two-year term. This session was no different, with member states electing council members, adopting resolutions on maritime safety, environmental protection, and security, and approving IMO’s strategy and budget for 2026–2027.
Vietnam’s Deputy Minister Sang didn’t just show up—he made waves. In his opening statement, he reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to IMO priorities, including maritime safety, environmental protection, and sustainable maritime development. He also met with IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, emphasising Vietnam’s active role as an IMO member since 1984. The Secretary-General praised Vietnam’s achievements and expressed readiness to support the country in reviewing and drafting a new Maritime Code.
But Vietnam didn’t stop at the Assembly floor. On the sidelines, the delegation held working sessions with the UK and the US. In the meeting with the UK, both sides discussed potential cooperation areas, including maritime transport, inland waterways, and carbon emission reduction. Deputy Minister Sang briefed the UK on Vietnam’s progress in restructuring administrative agencies in the maritime and inland waterway sectors, as well as ongoing amendments to the Maritime Code and the Law on Inland Waterway Transport. Keir Alexander Mather, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation at the UK Department for Transport, praised Vietnam’s reforms and affirmed the UK’s willingness to share experience in maritime and inland waterway legislation and enforcement.
The meeting with the US delegation was equally fruitful. Deputy Minister Sang highlighted notable cooperation achievements, including the Vietnam–US Maritime Transport Agreement and ongoing collaboration with the US Coast Guard. Both sides agreed to continue expanding collaboration in the maritime sector.
This isn’t just diplomacy—it’s strategy. By strengthening ties with the UK and the US, Vietnam is positioning itself as a key player in the global maritime industry. And with a new Maritime Code on the horizon, the country is set to deepen its commitment to maritime safety, environmental protection, and sustainable development.
As the maritime industry navigates the challenges of the 21st century, Vietnam’s proactive approach sends a clear message: the country is not just keeping up—it’s leading the way.