Scientists, State officials and investors met in the central province of Quang Ngai on October 1 to discuss development policy for Ly Son island district, considered a national symbol of territorial sovereignty.

The discussion was part of a scheme to make Ly Son an economically strong district protected by a solid defence-security system by 2020.

In his keynote speech, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc suggested Quang Ngai province consider filling in parts of the sea and constructing dams in response to rising sea levels.

The locality should come up with a master plan for urban development on the island, granting all households access to power and water supplies, he said.

To protect the environment, he also called for more trees to be planted.

Participants proposed capturing the full potential of tourism with tours to historic and religious sites and natural scenic spots, while tapping into the locality’s strengths in fishing and fishing logistics.

Head of the Party Central Committee’s Economic Commission Vuong Dinh Hue urged Quang Ngai to find suitable investors, especially in oil and gas exploration and exploitation, offshore fishing, navigation, fishing logistics and tourism.-VNA