Vietnam has set a target to become a strong marine country, with sustainable development, prosperity, security and safety by 2030, according to Resolution 36, issued by the Central Committee in 2018.
At the conference, experts highlighted the strengths of the central provinces in developing the marine economy, including beautiful beaches, rich natural resources and fish stocks, as well as the ability to connect Vietnam’s different waters and dynamic economic centres in the region and the world.
The central region is currently home to many large coastal economic zones such as Nghi Son, Vung Ang, Chu Lai and Dung Quat, and deepwater ports such as Chan May, Lien Chieu, Tien Sa and Quy Nhon.
Data as of 2020 showed that the marine economy accounted for nearly two-thirds of the region’s economic output.
After three years of implementing Resolution 36, the central region has recorded significant achievements in marine economic development, with the formation of coastal economic zones as the driver of regional development.
Logistics services are also being expanded to promote connectivity between coastal regions and inland regions as well as with the world, while marine tourism has also become a driver for many localities.
Aquaculture and fishing are making several localities the country’s major centres of seafood processing and export.
However, there are some drawbacks, such as the small size of the marine economy in many localities, and the low occupancy rate of many coastal economic zones.
To promote the sustainable development of the marine economy in the central region, experts proposed creating a strong legal framework and focusing resources on coastal economic zones with outstanding advantages.
They also recommended developing logistics services, promoting linkages in training human resources and attracting investors, modernising fishing and preservation techniques, and developing fishing logistics services.
