Van Don EZ to develop into dynamic economic hub

The Vân Đồn economic zone (EZ) in northern Quang Ninh Province will be developed into a dynamic economic hub with a focus on tourism development and production of high-quality products and services and an international trade centre for the region.-Photo cafef.vn

This is part of general adjustment tasks for the construction planning of Van Don EZ until 2040 approved by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc.

The planning also includes building the EZ into one of the driving forces for the country’s economic development and one of the most liveable cities in the Asia-Pacific region.

The planning scope will cover over 2,171sq.km, including the natural area of Vân Đồn District, of which more than 581sq.km is land and the remainder sea.

The total population is expected to reach 300,000-500,000 by 2040.

The PM asked relevant ministries and agencies to evaluate conditions such as topographic features, climate, hydrology and geology, as well as the natural and tourism resources of Van Don and its surrounding regions that would have an impact on the economic development of the EZ.

A general assessment on the socio-economic development of Quang Ninh province and Van Don EZ is also needed, including reviewing the state of development of key sectors; population statistics, occupational structure and employment rate (in the last five years) and analysing trends in population development and problems caused by urbanisation.

The PM also asked for the evaluation of technical and environmental infrastructure, including transport, water and electricity supply, waste water drainage and solid waste treatment within the plan.

Regarding socio-economic infrastructure, the plan will include industry, services, tourism, office buildings, housing, healthcare, education, culture and sports in order to meet the needs of the EZ and surrounding areas in line with different development stages.

The development of socio-economic infrastructure would provide easy access for local citizens, tourists and workers at the EZ, according to the PM.

The Van Don EZ needs around US$70.2 billion by 2050 for its investment demands, according to the provincial People’s Committee. The province will mobilise investment from all economic sectors including the State budget, the private sector and foreign direct investment.

Under the socio-economic development plan for the EZ until 2030, the EZ would reach Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) of $1.98 billion and GRDP per capita of $12,242 in 2030, which would be four times higher than the expected level in 2020. By 2050, the EZ’s GRDP would reach more than $21.8 billion and GRDP per capita would be $43,688.

The province said the EZ could create jobs for 106,000 people by 2030, including 37,000 jobs in the tourism sector; 7,000 in service; 14,000 in production and logistics and 48,000 in other sectors.