Vietnam Approves Revised Master Plan for Vung Ang Economic Zone until 2050

Vietnam's government has approved a revised master plan for the Vung Ang Economic Zone in Ha Tinh province, setting its development goals until 2050. This revision aims to foster sustainable development and drive economic growth for the region. The approved plan designates Vung Ang Economic Zone, encompassing its existing area of 22,781 hectares, to develop as a comprehensive, multi-sectoral coastal economic zone with industry, ports, and logistics as its core drivers. This strategic direction seeks to maximize the zone's potential and advantages while ensuring development opportunities for related sectors. Projections indicate a population increase to approximately 181,000 by 2030 and 249,000 by 2050, with corresponding land use plans. The development aims to utilize 13,139 hectares (58% of the total area) by 2030 and 14,785 hectares (65%) by 2050 for development purposes. The spatial structure will be organized to concentrate industrial parks, ports, and logistics centers, enhance urban development and service functions, and preserve ecological spaces and natural landscapes. Key functional areas include the Vung Ang and Son Duong port systems, port logistics and back-office services, urban and service centers along the Song Tri River and major transport routes, and tourism and marine service areas in the Hai Ninh-Hoanh Son region. Infrastructure development will include appropriately located technical infrastructure hubs to supply essential services such as electricity, water, wastewater treatment, and solid waste management throughout the economic zone. The plan also emphasizes a multi-center system and the development of green park networks along rivers, lakes, and coastlines, aiming for harmonious, modern landscape architecture that prioritizes public spaces. For the period up to 2030, five key project groups are prioritized: development driver projects, projects with spillover effects attracting investment, urban renovation and upgrading projects, framework infrastructure and transportation projects, and environmental protection, social infrastructure development, and climate change adaptation projects. This master plan revision is expected to serve as a significant catalyst for the socio-economic development of Ha Tinh province. Within Vietnam's one-party system, such large-scale development plans are typically formulated and implemented under government leadership with a long-term perspective, forming a crucial pillar of economic growth and regional development. Furthermore, amidst complex relations with China, Vietnam is focusing on the development of its economic zones as a strategy to maintain economic growth while balancing geopolitical considerations. Source: Nhan Dan