Posted on 14 Jul 2008
The northern coastal region must fully make use of its
ability and advantages to develop into a key economic zone, playing an
important role in the country’s economic and social development, particularly
the maritime economy.
This is one of the development targets set for the northern
coastal region till 2050, approved by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung on
Thursday.
According to the plan, the region must develop its maritime
economic role by enhancing and completing its technical infrastructure system
in order to create favourable conditions for the country’s economic growth,
environment and national security.
The northern coastal region includes the northern port
cities of Hai Phong and Quang Ninh, Thai Binh, Nam Dinh and Ninh Binh provinces
covering an area of more than 12,000 square kilometres with a population
expected to be 8.65 million people in 2015 and 8.5-9 million people in 2025.
The region will be divided into two areas: a core urban area
and a counterpoise area with the economic pivot of Hai Phong - Ha Long - Mong
Cai. The core urban area will be built in Hai Phong and Ha Long, focusing on
developing industry, sea ports, tourism and services.
The key industrial areas are in Hai Phong and Quang Ninh,
creating the region’s main economic corridor, linking with highways 5, 18 and
10, and the Ha Noi Capital Region.
According to the plan, the northern coastal region has a
great tourism potential, therefore, more investment should be focused on nature
preserves like Cat Ba National Garden, Cuc Phuong, and Ha Long. Some sites can
be developed to international tourism centres.
Wholesales trading centres will be constructed in Hai Phong,
Quang Ninh and Ninh Binh which will play the role of distributing commodities
throughout the region.
The region will have a modern and complete transportation
system. The Ha Noi - Hai Phong and Noi Bai - Ha Long - Mong Cai highways will
be built. Railways such as North-South, Ha Noi - Hai Phong, Lang Son - Quang
Ninh will also be improved.
The plan also states that the sea transport system, one of
the region’s strength, will also be upgraded. International ports in Hai Phong
will be invested so that they can serve 30,000-80,000 DWT ships.
The Hai Ha port will be built to serve the heavy industry
and every sector, while Cam Pha and Hon Net will serve the mining sector.
A new airport will be constructed in Van Don District in
High-quality health care centres located in Hai Phong and
Nam Dinh are expected to reduce pressure on leading hospitals in Ha Noi when
completed.
The region will also have 15 new universities and colleges.
Currently, there are 20 universities and colleges region-wide.
