Diversifying the marine economy

QTO - Taking advantage of the fertile land, riverine terrain, and rich potential of valuable aquatic resources, the people, especially war veterans in the Bao Ninh coastal area (Dong Hoi ward), have boldly invested in developing multi-occupational production and risen to legitimately become wealthy through fishing. Not only have they stabilized their family economies, but the veterans have also actively contributed to preserving the sea and islands, and building a beautiful and vibrant homeland along the coast.

Specialization in maritime professions

The Veterans Association of Bao Ninh commune (now part of Dong Hoi ward) currently has 640 members operating in 8 branches across 8 residential areas: My Canh, Dong Duong, Sa Dong, Trung Binh, Ha Duong, Ha Thon, Ha Trung, and Cua Phu. Over the years, the veterans of these 8 branches in the coastal area of ​​Bao Ninh have leveraged their proximity to the sea, pioneering and proactively applying science and technology, transforming production models, creating jobs for local laborers, and making significant contributions to the urbanization process of their homeland. Many members have invested in the fishing industry and fisheries logistics, such as: building and upgrading boats, constructing ice factories, supplying fishing gear; and engaging in general trade and seafood processing.

Pham Duc Hien, a member of the Standing Committee of the Veterans Association of Dong Hoi Ward, was formerly the Chairman of the Veterans Association of Bao Ninh Commune. Born and raised in the coastal village of Bao Ninh, he has a deep understanding and shared experience in propaganda and mobilization, and has recorded many achievements in the movement of veterans excelling in economic activities in the area.

Sharing with us, veteran Pham Duc Hien said: The majority of veterans in Bao Ninh are self-sufficient in the economy, specializing in the fishing industry. The resilience, courage, and decisiveness of these veterans contribute to achieving great things, helping their comrades and neighbors in the residential area develop the economy and social welfare.

The family of veteran Nguyen Cong Dinh has just acquired a fishing vessel and expanded its fishing logistics - Photo: H.TR

Notable examples include Veteran Hoang Viet Lam, Director of a general trading company with annual revenue of 4-5 billion VND. The Thuong Dinh seafood processing facility, owned by a Veteran, also achieves stable revenue of 2-2.5 billion VND per year. Other notable examples include Lai Tan Dong (Dong Duong Hamlet), a fishing boat owner from the Veteran Association, and Tran Dinh Thuy (My Canh Hamlet).

“My family’s fishing profession is passed down from father to son. When my health is no longer sufficient to brave the waves at sea, I retreat to the rear, expand the fishing logistics, and hand over the reins to my son and younger fishermen to venture out to sea, expanding fishing grounds to develop the economy, create jobs, and contribute to protecting the sovereignty of our homeland's seas and islands,” said veteran Nguyen Cong Dinh, owner of Thuong Dinh seafood processing facility.

In the Bảo Ninh fishing village area, there are currently 450 boats and ships, of which 350 participate in offshore fishing activities according to Government Decree 48. In particular, 75 large-capacity vessels owned by veterans and their children in Bảo Ninh have become an important force in offshore fishing and contribute to the protection of the nation's maritime sovereignty.

Besides being skilled in production, the veterans also consistently raise awareness of protecting the marine environment in conjunction with the task of maintaining national security and defense. Many veterans proactively provide information on the situation at sea to functional forces, and actively participate in supporting and coordinating patrols in coastal areas, contributing to maintaining order, security, and stability in fisheries activities.

Versatile in multiple professions

To support the economic development of veterans, the Veterans Association at all levels in Dong Hoi ward actively connects with and exploits preferential loan sources. Currently, the Veterans Association in Bao Ninh area is managing 8 loan groups from the Social Policy Bank with a total capital of nearly 22 billion VND.

Thanks to this funding, many members have been able to invest in upgrading their boats, fishing gear, and modern equipment, expanding production, and increasing labor productivity. The average fund of 1.1 million VND per member in the region is also used flexibly to provide timely assistance to members in need, allowing them to borrow at preferential interest rates, demonstrating a spirit of camaraderie and mutual support.

Many large fishing vessels owned by members of the Veterans Association and their children participate in fishing in distant waters, contributing to the protection of the nation's maritime sovereignty - Photo: H.TR

Thanks to this, along with the development of the marine economy, some members have chosen agricultural production directions suitable to the soil conditions of the Bao Ninh coastal area. Through training courses on the transfer of scientific and technical knowledge, many members have boldly planted crops that adapt well, such as purple sweet potatoes, watermelons, bitter melons, etc.

The model of member Pham Van Hoi (Cu Phu Hamlet) is a prime example, harvesting 3-4 tons of purple sweet potatoes annually, contributing to increased income and creating a new milestone in the development of local agricultural products. Several service and tourism models, such as hotels and restaurants, have also been boldly implemented by war veterans, contributing to the diversification of economic activities in the coastal region. For example, restaurants 61 and 69 (Ha Thon Hamlet), and My Phuc (Trung Binh Hamlet), run by war veteran members, consistently attract a steady stream of customers.

The economic development models of the Veterans Association have created jobs for dozens of workers, laborers, and children of veterans in the area. Many members allocate a portion of their profits to contribute to improving association activities and developing emulation movements in the locality; they are always at the forefront in fundraising for various funds, social welfare activities, and camaraderie...

Annually, the seafood catch in Bao Ninh reaches 11,000-12,000 tons, of which about 45% is exported. For many years, there have been no poor or near-poor households among war veterans in the Bao Ninh coastal area; the number of well-off and wealthy households has increased.

Chairman of the Veterans Association of Dong Hoi Ward, Phan Quang Dinh, proudly stated: "Thanks to the 'Veterans Helping Each Other to Excel in Economic Activities' movement, the lives of our members have improved significantly. Besides economic development, the branches in the Bao Ninh coastal area also focus on charitable activities, caring for elderly members, families of policy beneficiaries, and encouraging members' children to excel in their studies. These activities not only strengthen solidarity but also contribute to building a stronger community."

“Whether on the battlefield in the past or in life today, the veterans of the Bao Ninh coastal area still uphold the qualities of ‘Uncle Ho’s soldiers.’ In all fields, they always take the lead, setting an example in labor and production, economic development, and maintaining security and order, contributing to promoting tourism development in the Bao Ninh coastal area and Dong Hoi ward. These persistent, quiet but meaningful contributions have portrayed the image of veterans as approachable, responsible, and worthy of respect in the hearts of the people,” affirmed Hoang Ngoc Dan, Chairman of the People's Committee of Dong Hoi ward.

Huong Tra

Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/kinh-te/202601/da-dang-hoa-kinh-te-vung-bien-b347403/