Authorities from the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang have granted licenses to 340 investment projects totalling 166.5 trillion VND (7.93 billion USD) for the development of sea-based economy for the 2010-2013 period.

Of the total projects, Phu Quoc island alone hosts 112, according to the local Department of Planning and Investment.

The province now counts 183 operational projects which focus on breeding, processing farm produce and seafood, transport system and tourism services, among others.

In the foreseeable future, it will pay heed to improving the management capacity and administrative formalities to expedite the implementation of sea and island development plans.

Special attention will be paid to programmes coping with climate change and sea rising as well as protecting marine ecology in a sustainable manner, said Vice Chairman of the local People’s Committee Le Khac Ghi.

Kien Giang emerged as an economic spotlight in the Mekong Delta in 2013, with economic growth rate hitting 9.4 percent, ranking fourth among the 13 provinces and city in the delta.-VNA