More than 250 scientists, researchers, scholars and business people gathered at a forum in the central city of Quang Ngai on March 20 to discuss new opportunity for prosperity of the central key economic region.

The forum aims to promote cooperation for economic development and external relations promotion based on local strengths towards common prosperity, said Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Le Van Vinh.

It is expected to put forward practical solutions and mechanisms to create breakthroughs and tap the region’s for a future strong economic community, he said.

Fifteen reports were presented at the forum that focused on planning and development of transport infrastructure, building of a cooperative and connected community, establishment of a strong business community, and creation of an organisational model for the central key economic region.

At the forum, leaders from five provinces and cities signed a cooperative document to connect the whole region and a contract on investment in building the My Khe resort in Quang Ngai province.

The central key economic region, which covers more than 27,884 sq.km and represents one-fifth of the country’s length, is home to around 6.5 million people.

The region also boasts 558km of coastline with a diversified ecological system and five cultural heritages and masterpieces that have won UNESCO’s recognition, namely former imperial city of Hue, “nha nhac” (Hue royal court music), Hoi An ancient town, My Son relics and Cu Lao Cham island.

A number of economic zones have been developed in the region such as the Chu Lai open economic zone and the Dung Quat, Nhon Hoi and Chan May economic zones.

Noteworthy, the Dung Quat economic zone has attracted more than 140 foreign and domestic invested projects worth over 10.5 billion USD. Above 50 projects have been operational./.