A ceremony was held in the central province of Quang Tri on July 31 to mark the 10th founding anniversary of Con Co Island district which is striving to become a culture and tourism destination in the near future.

The island, about 30km off Cua Tung beach, held an important strategic position during the American war where soldiers and local people shot down 48 planes and sank 17 warships and other vessels of the invaders during about 1,000 large- and small-scale battles in 1,500 days and nights.

With the great contribution to the national liberation, the island district was twice awarded with the title – the Hero of the People’s Armed Forces, along with other honours, by the Party and State.

Promoting the national heroic tradition, Con Co soldiers and residents today have joined search and rescue efforts and firmly safeguarded the national territorial sovereignty, while ensuring political stability and socio-economic development.

Local authorities have also concentrated on building infrastructure such as roads, fishing ports and lighthouse stations to make it easier for household-based production activities.

Other realms such as education, health, culture and national defence are also given particular care.

Boasting great potential for ecological and marine tourism, Con Co is selected as one of the five islands in Vietnam to be developed into youth islands between now and 2020. The youth islands project aims to encourage youngsters to act as pioneers in building a sustainable household economy there.-VNA