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Although provinces in the central key economic region have many specific advantages, they are unable to make the most of their potential because of the same advantages and the lack of a master plan.
The central key economic region includes 4 provinces of Thua Thien – Hue, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Binh Dinh and Da Nang city. The region plays a motive role not only in the socio-economic development in the central and Central Highlands regions but also in the national socio-economic strategy.
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Cargo loading at Quy Nhon seaport
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Lack of unity
The central Vietnam, in which 4 provinces and 1 city of the key economic region is centre, has many specific advantages in term of strategic location and abundant workforce.
It has 17 seaports, 15 economic zones (EZs), 22 industrial zones (IZs), 2 processing zones (PZs), 8 airports, 2 national highways, the East-West Economic Corridor and projects worth tens of millions USD.
Yet, the region can’t make the most of the advantages because all of the provinces have similar strong points but lack a master plan. Consequently, its development is trivial and spontaneous.
Chan May deep water seaport (Thua Thien – Hue) is located next to Da Nang seaport while Ky Ha seaport positions near Dung Quat (Quang Ngai) and Quy Nhon seaport stands at southern region. Most of the seaport are unable operate with its full capacity.
The IZs and PZs are also in lack of investors. Some main IZs gain coverage percentage of 70-90 percent. Most of the rest are either under construction or reach a percentage of 30-60 percent.
Total GDP of the region is just over VND34 trillion (the 2008 figure), makes up 27 percent in compared with the northern key economic region and 13 percent of the southern counterpart, nearly 5 percent of the national GDP.
Cooperation for development
Realizing the discouraging results of the spontaneous, unplanned development, 5 central provinces co-operated with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in drawing out a strategy of united development in which Da Nang is the nucleus.
The result of the project named “the Integrated Development Strategy for Da Nang City and its Neighbouring Areas (DaCRISS) were reported in Da Nang on October 13. An exhibition of the project was also held there.
The project aims to give out potential and opportunities of economic development strategy for the city and its nearby areas, ensuring sustainable and sound development of the region. It also draw out a master plan of the city development by 2025; carrying out capacity building trainings, mainly on municipal planning and development, for the relevant provinces/city and agencies.
The official research outcomes of the project after 2 years of preparation and survey doing were introduced in the first time to the public for free consultation so that the strategy would be right and the development would be sustainable.
Addressing at the meeting, Chairman of Da Nang Municipal People’s Committee Tran Van Minh said, “The project set out visions for Da Nang city and its neighbouring areas with the comprehensive strategy and master plan of development, with programmes of environment, transport and tourism, etc. improvement. I believe that Da Nang and the 4 neighboring provinces will develop strongly and stably.”
DaCRISS also promotes programmes on environmental improvement and biodiversity protection. Head of JICA in Vietnam, Motonori Tsuno, said, “The project will aim to develop cleanest cities in Vietnam, not just non-polluted cities.”
With such determination, JICA proposed various models of environmentally friendly economic development such as sustainable tourism orientation, high-tech industry promotion and environmentally friendly public services.
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