Kien Giang urged to take full advantage of Phu Quoc for development

Kien Giang (VNA) – Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has asked the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang to develop Phu Quoc island into a leading model among three special administrative economic zones of the country.

During a working session with provincial officials on April 14, PM Phuc described Kien Giang as a miniature of Vietnam with an important position not only in terms of economy but also national defence, security, and external relations in the region.

Speaking highly of Kien Giang’s socio-economic development over the past years, including its marine-based economy, agricultural production and tourism, he said the province has economic potential and sustainable development directions, while the living conditions of local people have continually improved.

Regarding the development vision, PM Phuc said Kien Giang must strive to become a wealthy province based on its natural advantages and application of technological advances into tourism, agriculture, marine-based economy, and supporting and processing industries.

Phu Quoc island should be developed into a precious, big pearl and a unique, world-class tourism and resort centre, hence attracting more investors and intellectuals and serving as a momentum for the province’s economic development in the time to come, he said.

The leader suggested issuing breakthrough policies and mechanisms, especially terms in the Law on Special Administrative Economic Zone, to facilitate the local economy and livelihoods.

About the future tasks, PM Phuc requested Kien Giang to complete Phu Quoc development plans with a vision to 30 years and 50 years in different areas while ensuring the quality of the environment, wastewater, waste, and marine ecological system, thereby making Phu Quoc a truly resort paradise.

At the same time, the province was required to build tourism facilities, diversify community-based tourism, offer tax incentives and encourage investors to join in vocational training for local residents.

The government leader also reminded Kien Giang province to study economic restructuring in the context of climate change while simultaneously performing socio-economic tasks and ensuring national defence, security, food hygiene and safety.

On the occasion, he assigned the Transport Ministry to study the establishment of a search and rescue centre on Phu Quoc island.

Kien Giang boasts a diverse mangrove ecological system and great potential for agro-forestry-fishery and tourism. Last year, the local economy expanded by 6.57 percent, higher than the country’s average of 6.21 percent.

Phu Quoc island district has attracted 254 projects worth 377.83 trillion VND (16.64 billion USD).

The province has set a target of collecting over 8.8 trillion VND (384.2 million USD) for the State budget and serving 5.82 million tourists, including 360,000 foreigners this year.-VNA