Southernmost district strives to tap sea-based economic potential hinh anh 1Khai Long beach in Ca Mau (Source: internet)
Ca Mau  (VNA) – The southernmost district of Ngoc Hien in Ca Mau province aims to tap its sea-based economic strengths in fishery and tourism to boost development.

The rural district is 75km from Ca Mau city and covers 98 square kilometers, housing six communes and one town, with a combined population of 98,000.

It is blessed with three sides facing the sea, and a fishing area of 15,000 square kilometers.

Popular destinations include Dat Mui and Khai Long tourism areas, Mui Ca Mau biosphere reserve, and Hon Khoai island.

Despite these advantages, Ngoc Hien is a poor district with 11.44 percent of needy households and 6.64 percent of near-poor ones, according to Secretary of the district’s Party Committee Nguyen Truong Giang.

Developing fisheries is considered a sensible move, but most engaging in fishing and aquaculture households face difficulties in accessing capital, and links with large-scale businesses.

The district has more than 300 low capacity fishing vessels, making off-shore fishing activities impossible.

Insufficient investment in infrastructure hinders tourism development, while serious coast erosion and environmental pollution negatively affect local health.

Given the setbacks, Ca Mau province has supported the district to build the Nam Can – Dat Mui road, part of the Ho Chi Minh route in 2015 and to implement the Khai Long wind power and Dat Mui tourism development projects.

Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Tran Hong Quan said the locality will enact measures to boost socio-economic development such as building infrastructure, drawing investment and developing aquatic breeding.

Local authorities plan to develop ecotourism, community-based tourism, and invite businesses to invest in tourism infrastructure and improve service quality.

They will also develop Rach Goc fishing port to generate more jobs for locals.

The district aims to have one commune meeting new rural area requirements in 2017./.
VNA