National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Phu Trong has asked the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau and Con Dao island to define proper ways to build the island into a high-quality service and eco-tourism zone while preserving the special revolutionary relic and bringing into play the value of Con Dao National Park .

NA Chairman Trong made the statement during his working visit to Con Dao district, Ba Ria-Vung Tau province on April 24 and 25.

Highlighting its outpost position in the country’s southern coastal region, the NA leader asked Con Dao district authorities to study and devise a long-term development strategy in line with the locality’s reality and specific characteristics.

He emphasised the necessity to preserve Con Dao as it is an invaluable treasure and a dynamic force for development.

Con Dao has made considerable achievements with its average annual GDP increasing by 15 percent, annual per capita income hitting nearly 1,000 USD in 2009 and tourism turnover recording an annual increase of 25 percent.

Once known as “Hell on Earth” where many Vietnamese revolutionary fighters were incarcerated, Con Dao is now a beautiful destination for ecotourism.

During his stay in Con Dao, NA Chairman Trong offered incense at the Hang Duong cemetery in tribute to tens of thousands of revolutionary fighters and patriots who laid down their lives in the struggle for national liberation during the French resistant war and the war against US aggressors.

He also visited other historic relics and Con Dao prison exhibition hall./.