Ninh Thuan (VNA) – In just three years since its inception, the southern key economic zone in the south-central province of Ninh Thuan has become a powerhouse, attracting major investments and propelling local development.
The fledgling economic zone, formed under Resolution 15-NQ/TU of the provincial Party Committee on January 11, 2022, is divided into four sub-areas dedicated to industry-energy-seaports, tourism-supporting services, hi-tech agriculture, and biodiversity conservation and forestry development, respectively.
Chairman of the provincial People's Committee Tran Quoc Nam said between 2021 and 2023, the zone boasted an average annual growth rate of 13.3%, eclipsing the provincial average of 9.29%. It accounted for over 22.5% of Ninh Thuan's gross regional development product (GRDP).
Notably, it has become a magnet for renewable energy enterprises, with 33 projects generating a combined capacity of 1,935 MW, or over 40% of the province's total operational energy capacity. Industrial parks, coastal tourism areas, and new urban developments are also taking shape, transforming the zone into a coordinated hub of activity.
Nam said local authorities are expediting ongoing construction projects and enhancing supervision to address challenges, with the ultimate goal of establishing the province as a national energy and renewable energy hub.
In a call for energy self-sufficiency, Le Chi Hiep, former chair of the interdisciplinary council on environment, resources, and energy at Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City, has underscored the vital importance of a skilled domestic workforce. His message is clear: to reduce dependence on imported energy, Vietnam must ensure it has the capability to operate home-grown projects.
A well-trained domestic workforce will not only drive the development of supporting industries but also foster a sustainable supply chain. This includes equipment manufacturing, component production, and maintenance services, allowing local businesses to delve deeper into the renewable energy sector and contribute significantly to the localisation process.
The National Power Development Plan VIII champions the development of domestic renewable energy projects. However, for these initiatives to thrive, a highly skilled local workforce is indispensable. From effective implementation and construction to seamless operation, Vietnamese experts must be at the helm.
The plan also identifies renewable energy as a cornerstone of Vietnam's national energy independence strategy.
The province is already witnessing the fruits of its labor. As of September, it is home to 11 wind power plants and 35 solar energy projects, boasting total capacities of 667MW and 2,466MW, respectively. All these projects are now commercially operational, demonstrating the tangible progress made in the renewable energy sector.
Efforts are also underway to diversify tourism services, create high-end coastal destinations, and advance hi-tech agriculture. The province is also embracing digital transformation, smart urban planning, and administrative reforms to improve service quality and efficiency for citizens and businesses.
With these concerted efforts, Ninh Thuan aims to achieve an annual average growth of 25-26% during the 2024-2025 period. The economic structure is set to shift, with industry and construction contributing 57-58%, tourism and services 18-19%, and agriculture and fisheries accounting for 24-25%.
By 2025, the zone is expected to contribute 28-29% of the province's GRDP, cementing its status as the driving force behind Ninh Thuan's economic development./.
