New Delhi, Dec 17 (IANS): India and Vietnam on Friday signed the first-ever MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) that is aimed at promoting scientific and technical cooperation in marine science and ecology, officials said.

The MoU was signed during a meeting between the Union Minister for Science & Technology, Jitendra Singh and Vietnam Natural Resources and Environment Minister, Tran Hong Ha at Prithvi Bhawan here.

"The MoU is the first agreement related to marine science and ecology between the two countries," the Ministry of Earth Science said in a statement.

Singh said that exploration of 'Ocean Assets' will herald a new era of international co-operation in the world marine economy.

He said the bilateral agreement will lead to information and resource sharing related to shoreline change, sediment transport rate, coastal protection measures.

The Minister also said that identification of pilot location by the Vietnam side and Indian experts will provide technical support in developing a coastal protection solution.

This MoU shall remain valid for a period of five years and shall be automatically renewed for subsequent period of five years only once.

Either country may give a written notice to the other country, at least six months in advance of its intention to terminate this MoU before its expiry, the statement added.