The picture of extreme development from the sea in Lam Dong.

Lam Dong (formerly Binh Thuan province) is among the top provinces in Vietnam in terms of its long coastline, large fishing grounds, wind energy, and marine, island, and sand-based tourism. Along with its Class II seaport system and industrial clusters and zones, it is being developed into a dynamic and prosperous maritime region, with the core being the "development of a maritime economic center" for the entire region, encompassing diverse marine economic sectors.

Opportunities for wealth creation from the sea in Lam Dong.

Before the merger, the former Lam Dong and Dak Nong provinces were both landlocked. This posed significant challenges to their socio -economic development. Their distance from seaports limited investment opportunities, and their products lacked competitiveness and export potential. The consolidation of the three provinces opens up a great opportunity to connect the advantages of the sea with the agricultural, industrial, and tourism potential of the Southwest and Southern Central Highlands.

"The house's facade"

Imagine Lam Dong today with its blue sea area considered the "front door of the house" after the merger. And when that house has a "balcony" offering a panoramic view of the vast sea and islands stretching over 190 km along the mainland, it becomes not only a gateway for trade but also a path to the outside world , aligning with the trend of international integration in all aspects. Therefore, according to economic experts, the blue sea area of ​​Lam Dong has all the conditions to become a center for developing diverse marine economic sectors including: aquaculture and fisheries, marine and island tourism, maritime transport services, logistics and seaports, renewable energy (offshore wind power, coastal solar power)... Along with that are new marine economic sectors such as: marine biology, marine medicinal plants and exploitation of marine digital resources, especially affirming its strategic position in the East Sea and regional supply chain.

Economic experts also believe that Lam Dong currently opens up a new development space, a unique opportunity that combines the specific advantages of each locality, creating a special geo-economic space where three major geographical elements converge: plateau - plain - sea, coastal and island areas. “In particular, the blue sea area of ​​Lam Dong is not only the only gateway for trade to the East Sea but also a strategic national defense belt in the Southeast, playing a central role in connecting the mainland with the sea and islands, ensuring coastal security and protecting territorial sovereignty,” said Professor Dr. Mai Trong Nhuan, People's Teacher and former Director of Hanoi National University.

"Blue economy"

The marine economy, or "blue economy," is a multifaceted concept encompassing all economic activities based on the sea and coastal areas, aiming for sustainable and inclusive development. According to the World Bank, the marine economy is the sustainable use of ocean resources to promote economic growth, improve livelihoods and employment, while ensuring the health of the ocean ecosystem. This concept emphasizes a balance between three pillars: economic, social, and environmental, shifting from a traditional resource exploitation model to a more holistic approach that focuses on innovation, value creation, and ecosystem protection.

The components of the marine economy are diverse, ranging from traditional sectors such as: fisheries and aquaculture, maritime transport, and marine tourism, to emerging fields such as: marine renewable energy, marine biotechnology, and high-tech marine services...

According to Professor, Doctor, and People's Teacher Mai Trong Nhuan: For Lam Dong, with its blue sea, the merger of three provinces makes these linkages even more essential, connecting marine and coastal economic activities with the agricultural and industrial potential of the highland region.

Strengths and weaknesses

Lam Dong, with its blue sea, possesses many inherent advantages for developing its marine economy. First, it boasts abundant natural potential with a long coastline, a sunny and windy climate favorable for tourism and renewable energy development, and diverse marine resources including valuable seafood and minerals. Notably, the province is also building a reputable Mui Ne tourism brand, a foundation for attracting domestic and international tourists. Secondly, the province's strong political commitment is clearly demonstrated through the "Binh Thuan Provincial Planning for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050," aiming to become a "strong and prosperous" locality from the sea, a national and international-level center for green energy and tourism.

Furthermore, investment in strategic infrastructure development is being accelerated, with key projects such as Phan Thiet Airport and the Vinh Tan and Son My seaports. On the other hand, proactive planning and investment in crucial infrastructure projects is a vital factor capable of creating a major boost and accelerating the development of the marine economy. Finally, the blue sea region has affirmed its pioneering position in the field of renewable energy, with many large-scale wind and solar power projects already underway, aligning with the global green development trend.

However, alongside its strengths, Lam Dong, with its beautiful coastline, also faces some limitations. These include improved provincial infrastructure and specialized facilities for certain marine economic sectors, specifically deep-water ports and complex logistics, which, while improving, still have certain gaps and may not keep pace with rapid development. The shortage of high-quality human resources, especially for high-tech marine industries, high-end tourism services, and research and development, is a significant challenge, similar to many other localities aiming for modern marine economic development. Furthermore, enhanced environmental management capacity, particularly for the marine environment, is needed to ensure sustainable development alongside rapid economic growth and avoid negative impacts on the marine ecosystem. Among these weaknesses, the gap in skilled human resources is one of the biggest obstacles, potentially slowing the transition to higher value-added marine economic activities, a key objective identified in provincial planning and also a common challenge for emerging marine economic centers...

Therefore, "The strategy for developing Lam Dong's marine economic center needs to be multi-dimensional, not just focusing on GRDP indicators, but a harmonious whole encompassing the fields of marine environmental protection, ecosystem conservation, and sustainable development...", said Professor, Doctor, and People's Teacher Mai Trong Nhuan.

Resolution No. 36-NQ/TW/2018 on the Strategy for Sustainable Development of Vietnam's Marine Economy to 2030, with a vision to 2045, has shifted the focus to sustainable development, setting specific targets for the marine economy's contribution to the country's GDP at approximately 10%; at the same time, it identifies priority sectors such as: marine tourism and services, maritime economy, oil and gas and marine mineral exploitation, aquaculture, coastal industries, renewable energy, and new marine economic sectors.

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/buc-tranh-cuc-phat-trien-tu-bien-lam-dong-391349.html