The Prime Minister on August 12 approved a plan to turn the coastal southern central region into an important sea-based economic zone from now till 2025.
Under the plan, the 21,430 s.q. km region, covering Phu Yen, Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan provinces, will become a sea gateway for the Central Highlands, Laos ’ southern provinces, Cambodia ’s northeastern provinces and Thailand .
The region will develop important sea-born industries and maritime ecotourism to become a transitional zone between the central and southern key economic zones.
Its population is expected to increase from 3.7 million people at present to 4.3 million by 2015, and about 4.8 million by 2025.
The plan defined orientation for infrastructure development in the region. About 31,000 ha of land will be zoned for urban development.
Railway will be built to facilitate cargo transport from the Central Highlands, Cambodia ’s northeastern region, Thailand and Laos ’ southern region to the region.
Airports for helicopters will be also built on Phu Quy island and in the Van Phong economic zone.
| 
