First brick of Vietnamese-Singaporean resort in Hoa Binh laid

The resort, representing an investment of VND4.2 trillion ($200 million), is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2019. The central theme will be the culture of the Muong people, introducing the wealthy heritage of an ethnic minority in Vietnam, and natural sceneries will be on display to domestic and foreign tourists. It also includes religious establishments and entertainment facilities.

The resort, with its trees and flowers, is also going to help make the environment in the area cleaner and more appealing. It will also include a sanctuary for animals and a garden of medicinal plants that is going to be used in healthcare for the elderly staying at the resort and the community in general.

Not only offering a holiday package fitting modern demands, by directly employing 300 local workers the resort is also expected to contribute to local socio-economic development.

“We believe that the Bao Tho - Hoa Binh International eco-resort is going to contribute to the national budget, raise the province’s revenue from services, enrich the local people and contribute to the development of the trade and services into Hoa Binh province’s key sector,” CEO of International Gia Phu - Singapore LLC, said at the ceremony opening the construction works of the resort.

The resort is the first Singaporean investment in the north-western region of Vietnam. Singapore has topped Southeast Asian countries in foreign direct investment to Vietnam with 1,428 projects worth $32.2 billion in the first half of this year, according to figures released by the Foreign Investment Agency (FIA) of the Ministry of Planning and Investment.

Hoa Binh province, which is located 73 kilometres from the centre of Hanoi, is abundant of mountains and forests. It is home to the Muong and other ethnic minorities, namely the H’mong, Dao and Tay people. Ky Son district lies at the centre of the province and borders Kim Boi, which is famous for its hot springs.