The Mediterranean-style resort project is lying exposed to the elements.

"Passion" followed by disappointment

Following local officials along the coastal road connecting Loc Vinh commune to Lang Co town (Phu Loc district), we witnessed many tourism projects in the area falling into a state of desolation. Most notably, upon entering the Minh Vien Lang Co International Resort (Minh Vien Project), we were met with a scene of desolation and silence.

The Minh Vien project, invested by Minh Vien International Joint Stock Company, commenced construction in December 2018 with a scale of approximately 102 hectares and a total investment of VND 7,728 billion (equivalent to USD 368 million). The Minh Vien project includes a hotel system, resort, conference center, and supporting services meeting international 5-star standards. According to the plan, the project was scheduled to be completed and operational in the first quarter of 2024; with Phase 1, covering 19 hectares, completed and operational by the end of 2019. However, after six years since its commencement, the project has only partially completed the construction of the hotel buildings… and is now left exposed to the elements. Many unfinished villas, with peeling and blackened plaster, have become dumping grounds for local residents. Within the project grounds, trees and ornamental plants are dying, and auxiliary equipment is damaged…

Adjacent to it is the Mediterranean Tourist Area, developed by Vicoland Construction and Development Group JSC with an investment of over 838 billion VND, which has fallen into a similar situation. This project, launched in 2016, covers an area of ​​6.9 hectares and was expected to become an international-class seaside tourist area. However, to date, the project remains only a dilapidated, abandoned construction site, fenced off and protected…

Recalling the investor's commitment at the groundbreaking ceremony—that the Mediterranean Tourist Area would have sufficient capital, would be implemented according to plan to be put into operation, professionally exploited, and would leverage its outstanding natural resources to contribute to changing the face of tourism in the province and create jobs for the people—makes one feel even more disheartened.

A local leader in the area said that all the expectations for local development from the tourism projects that were launched... have now fallen into a desolate and abandoned state. It's heartbreaking to see such a waste...

Why the stagnation?

According to Mr. Le Van Tue, Director of the Provincial Economic and Industrial Zone Management Board, the two tourism projects have not been implemented according to the initial plan. This is due to several reasons, partly because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr. Tue stated that, regarding the Minh Vien Lang Co tourism project, the COVID-19 pandemic occurred in 2020 while it was underway. Due to the "Zero COVID" policy, the Chinese investor could not enter Vietnam, and coupled with the fact that the economy had not yet recovered from the pandemic, the project has been suspended ever since.

To overcome difficulties, the Management Board has held numerous meetings and issued many documents urging progress; most recently, on April 1, 2024, the investor and partners reported on the plan to restart phase 1 of the project, explaining the financial sources to ensure implementation. Currently, the investor is finalizing the relevant terms with partners, preparing documents to adjust the project schedule, and committing to restart in Q3/2024, completing phase 1 and putting it into operation in Q2/2025.

Regarding the Mediterranean Tourist Area Project, the Management Board has held numerous meetings and issued many documents urging progress, but to date, the investor has not yet met the conditions for restarting the project. This project was included in the list of projects under special monitoring and supervision by the Provincial People's Council in Resolution No. 70/NQ-HĐND dated August 21, 2023. According to Official Letter No. 594/UBND-VH dated January 16, 2024, from the Provincial People's Committee, which agreed on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, this project is subject to review and adjustment of its progress to 42 months. However, the Management Board is currently requiring the investor to develop a plan to restart the project and demonstrate financial capacity to the Management Board in May 2024. If the investor meets the relevant conditions, the Management Board will consider adjusting the progress and continuing to complete the project's components for operation and exploitation. Conversely, the Management Board will review legal regulations, consider reclaiming land, and call for new, capable investors to continue implementing the project.

In reality, recently, the province and relevant local departments and agencies have been creating opportunities for tourism investors in Lang Co, but they are facing financial difficulties and are therefore unable to continue implementing their commitments. Therefore, the province and local departments and agencies need to develop new directions and promote the area to attract larger, more professional investors to fully realize the potential of the Canh Duong - Lang Co national coastal tourism zone...

According to the leaders of the Provincial Economic and Industrial Zone Management Board, currently in the Chan May - Lang Co area, there are two stalled projects: the Minh Vien Tourism Project and the Mediterranean Tourism Project. The Minh Vien Project has leased approximately 19 hectares of land for phase 1 and has commenced construction of some components in phase 1, reaching about 40% completion. The Mediterranean Tourism Project has basically completed over 80% of its investment, including a meeting hall, resort area, buildings, and villas.

Text and photos: SONG MINH