PM calls for further development of north-central, central, south-central coastal regions

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh called upon the north-central, central, and south-central coastal regions to create more breakthroughs in development to match their potential and advantages while addressing a conference in south-central Binh Dinh province on February 5.

With a total area of 95,860 sq km, or 28.9 per cent of the country’s total, the regions hold strategic positions and roles of special significance in terms of economy, especially the maritime economy, politics, culture, social affairs, the environment, external relations, and national defense and security, as well as sea and island sovereignty, the Prime Minister said.

The regions play an important role in maritime economic development with nearly 2,000 km of coastline, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total, boasts eleven coastal economic zones, or 61.1 per cent of the country’s total, and links the East-West Economic Corridor with international maritime routes.

With many major seaports and airports, including five international airports, the regions have the necessary conditions for the development of many types of services and for becoming an entrepot for the central highlands and neighboring countries like Laos and Cambodia.

The regions also boast huge potential in developing energy, particularly renewable energy such as solar power, wind power, and hydropower.

The conference was held to discuss the implementation of the government’s action plan to materialize the Politburo’s Resolution on orientations for socio-economic development and national defense and security in the regions by 2030 with a vision towards 2045. It was also intended to promote investment in the regions, with the theme of “Linkage - Breakthroughs from maritime economy - Rapid, sustainable development.”

Prime Minister Chinh directed ministries, agencies, and localities in the regions to quickly map out action programs and plans to seriously implement the Politburo’s resolution and the government’s action plan.

Focus should be paid to perfecting institutions, regional planning schemes, and regional connectivity policies, and promoting the maritime economy, digital transformation, the green economy, the circular economy, tourism, forestry, and the agriculture-based economy.