From historical spirit to determination to innovate
At a working session with leaders of Ba Ria - Vung Tau province (BR-VT) and Con Dao district in May 2025, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized: The spirit of speed and boldness in history needs to be rekindled in the process of building the special economic zone. The Prime Minister recalled the image of political prisoners who were imprisoned here; the people who turned "impossible into possible" with their will to be self-reliant and self-reliant; are a great source of inspiration for Con Dao today.
Setting out a strategic vision: to build Con Dao into a special zone that converges three development pillars (national defense outpost, marine economy and international-class eco-spiritual tourism center), Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh requires all projects and policies here to harmonize development and conservation, modernization but not destroy historical heritage.
Along with that orientation are specific instructions: Do not reclaim the sea when expanding the airport, but must use modern technology, use cement and steel to extend the runway to 3,800m, meeting the standards to receive international flights; build a modern public administration center on the island; at the same time develop infrastructure in a green, smart, and resource-saving direction.
The Prime Minister also requested that localities apply Resolution 98 of the National Assembly on the urban government of Ho Chi Minh City (from July 1, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Binh Duong , Ho Chi Minh City will merge into Ho Chi Minh City to form the new Ho Chi Minh City - NV) to expand Con Dao, even recommending the addition of special mechanisms if necessary. The consistent spirit is "to act more, more decisively, with focus, key points and take people and businesses as the center".
Con Dao is oriented to develop into a "bright - green - clean - beautiful" special zone. |
Not only a tourist destination, Con Dao has long been a sacred symbol in the history of national struggle. Here, tens of thousands of patriotic soldiers were imprisoned and tortured by invaders. Places such as Hang Duong Cemetery, Hang Keo Cemetery, Tiger Cages, Phu Hai Prison, etc. have entered the national memory as vivid evidence of patriotism and sacrifice.
Therefore, one of the biggest “problems” today is not simply how many more hotels, runways or shopping malls to build, but how to develop without blurring the sacred values and identity of the island. Some researchers and local people have expressed concern about the risk of Con Dao being commercialized, concretized and losing its memorial space if there is a lack of strict control in planning. A former official of the Con Dao Monuments Management Board shared: “Developing Con Dao cannot be like Phu Quoc or Nha Trang. Con Dao has its own soul, a historical value that is nowhere else, and needs to be respected to the fullest extent”.
According to the project to adjust the general planning for Con Dao construction until 2045, this island district will develop according to a specific ecological island model, with a multi-center dispersed structure, in which each area is linked to the forest and sea ecosystems. The project clearly defines ecological conservation areas (including the main island, small beaches, and some satellite islands) and urban-tourism development areas (such as the center of Con Son, the prison relic site, renovated residential areas, new resorts, etc.).
The project also clearly outlines solutions for preserving and beautifying the old town, developing low-rise resort villas, expanding trees, water surfaces, coastal squares, etc. All are aimed at harmonizing modern development and preserving the landscape - culture - history of the island.
Expectations for new type of special economic zones
At the above meeting, a special point in the Prime Minister's direction was not only to talk about strategy, but also to suggest specific, committed and responsible ways of doing things. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh suggested that there should be officials such as Deputy Secretary of the City Party Committee and Director of the Department volunteering to go to the island to take on the role of Secretary or head of the special zone government. This is an opinion that is full of the spirit of action, personal responsibility and determination to innovate local governance.
Con Dao is different from previously proposed special economic zone models such as Van Don, Bac Van Phong or Phu Quoc; it does not aim to become a financial or industrial center, but chooses its own path: an ecological - cultural - defense special economic zone. This model requires flexibility in institutions, streamlining in organization, environmental protection and effective exploitation of heritage - landscape - marine resources. Con Dao does not need to become a large urban area, but needs to become a model urban area, a place to harmonize development and preserve identity.
From a "red address" in the past to a green special zone of the future, Con Dao is continuing a new journey, where nothing is easily traded.
The path to achieving the above goal is already there, when Con Dao will become a special economic zone under Ho Chi Minh City from July 1, 2025. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh also requested to focus on building a special economic zone government and specific mechanisms and policies to meet the development requirements of Con Dao. It is certain that in the near future, Con Dao will become a green - clean - beautiful island, with sustainable development and international stature as the Prime Minister has directed.
According to many experts, in implementing the Con Dao planning project, it is necessary to strengthen the capacity of implementation, transparent supervision and community participation. Con Dao is still facing the reality of weak infrastructure, unstable electricity and clean water sources, and waste and wastewater treatment systems that have not met the speed of tourism development. Public institutions serving the people such as hospitals, schools and public housing are also limited.
Mr. Pham Viet Thanh, Secretary of the Ba Ria-Vung Tau Provincial Party Committee, said that Con Dao has never had such a great opportunity as it does now, so it is necessary to calculate and have a specific, appropriate plan, focusing on urban renovation, building and developing green living spaces.
Mr. Thanh noted that Con Dao district should continue to synchronously implement circular economic development solutions to develop Con Dao sustainably while preserving natural values, culture and history. During the implementation of tasks, especially with key projects; if there are any problems or difficulties, they should be promptly reported to the province for solutions.
Tien Dung
Source: https://baophapluat.vn/con-dao-tuong-lai-dac-khu-xanh-tam-voc-quoc-te-post553510.html
Comment (0)