Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has authorised the southern coastal province of Ba Ria - Vung Tau to host the country’s first international seaport festival, from April 27-29.

The event is to raise the public’s awareness of Vietnam’s sovereignty over its waters and islands and the importance of the maritime-based economy to the nation as well as its security and defence role.

Visitors to the event will have the chance to enjoy a variety of activities, including a carnival , an amateur golf tournament, an exhibition on ports and the potential of the country’s seas and islands, an international seminar on the development of ports and investment opportunities as well as a series of concerts.

PM Dung also directed the provincial People’s Committee to work with local agencies to ensure the event is cost effective, safe and productive.

The organisers will fund the event without financial assistance from the State budget./.