Van Don island district in the northern coastal province of Quang Ninh is home to the first village specialising in pearl oyster cultivation in the northeast which has become a tourist attraction for over 40 years.

Vietnamese pearls have been celebrated for hundreds of year. The legends of Minh Chau (shining pearl) island and Ngoc Vung (dazzling pearl) island in Bai Tu Long Bay remain.

According to experts, Van Don’s natural fresh water creates the pure and luxurious colour of the district’s pearl, not seen anywhere else in Southeast Asia.

Recognising Van Don’s strength and potential in pearl farming, Taiheiyo Shinju, a leading Japanese pearl cultivation company, has worked with several Vietnamese partners in the region.

Operating for 10 years, the company has affirmed its position in the domestic and international pearl market.

The company’s Vietnam Director, Le Nam Trung, said Van Don’s pearls meet all six requirements specified by the Japan Pearl Exporters’ Association. The pearls have maximum levels of thickness, shine and colour.

SPICA, the trademark of Van Don pearls, is highly valued in the world market. 90 percent of the pearls are exported to Japan.

Besides, Van Don is developing ecological tourism following the model seen in many countries in the world, including China , Japan and India.

The number of visitors to Ha Long Bay is growing, which creates favourable conditions for Taiheiyo Shinju Vietnam to accelerate production, diversify its marketing methods, and improve the quality and design of its products to promote Quang Ninh’s economic and tourism potential, and develop pearl oyster farming-trade village tourism.-VNA