The southern province of Kien Giang has grown by an average of 11.4 percent between 2011 and 2015, with marine-based economy making up 75.6 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) .

Its GDP per capita is estimated at 3,154 USD this year, twice that of 2010.

According to Le Khac Chi, Deputy Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, the focus of its maritime strategy was coastal and maritime tourism, particularly in Phu Quoc Island.

The island has attracted 189 of the 242 tourism projects of the province over the past five years, including 37 currently operational ones worth over 1.8 trillion VND (83.1 million USD), mainly hotels, resorts and shopping malls.

A highlight is the 300-hectare Vinpearl Phu Quoc eco-tourism complex which offers a 750-room five star hotel, an entertainment centre and a world class golf course.

This year, the province expects to have 370 accommodation options with 7,750 rooms and suites, 71 percent higher than 2010, including twelve 3-5 star hotels located primarily in Phu Quoc, Rach Gia and Ha Tien.

Additionally, the locality has worked to develop fish farming and processing for export purposes.

Quang Trong Thao, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said the area for coastal fish farming has expanded from 119,000 hectares in 2010 to 173,000 hectares this year, including 95,000 hectares for prawn farming.

The province plans to scale up prawn areas in Tu Giac Long Xuyen region and boost prawn outputs in U Minh Thuong region while increasing the application of advanced technology and adopting domestic and global standards for prawn farming, such as GAP, GlobalGAP, ASC and MSC, he added.

During the period, 14 seafood processing plants were built with a combined capacity of 138,000 tonnes per year, bringing the local capacity to nearly 283,000 tonnes per year in total.

The locality is forecast to produce 58,000 tonnes of frozen seafood this year and generate an export revenue of 170 million USD, up 56.5 percent and 7.8 percent, respectively.

Since 2011, Kien Giang has invested 111 trillion VND (5.2 billion USD) in its marine-based economy, 30 percent of which was sourced from the state budget.

The province has upgraded its transport and irrigational infrastructure, including a number of roads, fishing ports, storm-proof docks and breakwaters, among others, said the local Department of Investment and Planning.

It will continue to develop marine-based industries by 2020 by expanding its networks of roads, power and water supply as well as airports and docks while attracting more tourism investments in Phu Quoc, Rach Gia and Ha Tien alongside seafood processing projects.

Preferential policies will be adopted to encourage the private sector’s involvement in marine-based development and marine resources management.-VNa