To make Van Don soon become a "lighthouse" of marine economy

Recently, Van Don was identified by the Central Government as one of 13 special economic zones. Previously, the locality was also approved by the Prime Minister as a coastal economic zone of the country, but because there are no specific mechanisms and policies to attract investment, it has not been able to develop compared to its potential and advantages. Therefore, the current issue that needs to be raised is to have a specific mechanism for Van Don to truly take off, becoming the "lighthouse" of Vietnam's marine economy.

Sonasea Van Don Harbor City resort complex of CEO Group.

In Resolution No. 60-NQ/TW dated April 12, 2025 of the 11th Conference of the 13th Party Central Committee and Decision No. 759/QD-TTg dated April 14, 2025 of the Prime Minister approving the Project on rearranging and reorganizing administrative units at all levels and building a two-level local government organization model, Van Don is identified as one of 13 special economic zones nationwide.

Previously, Van Don was also commented on and considered for approval by the Politburo , the Secretariat, the National Assembly, the Government and relevant ministries and branches as one of the special economic zones in the country. However, due to many objective factors, the project has not been approved. That was a few years ago, but now, the opportunity is ripe, the Party has directed, the Government has agreed, the National Assembly has supported, the people have agreed, it is very necessary to soon approve and establish Van Don Special Economic Zone, which must have specific and outstanding mechanisms and policies suitable to local conditions and the context of the digital economy, integrating into the international economy.

According to Associate Professor Dr. Bui Dinh Thien, former Director of the Vietnam Economic Institute, the proposed mechanisms and policies for Van Don Special Economic Zone are not only pioneering but also aim to exploit the potential and unique strengths of Van Don. The focus is on developing key areas such as trade, services, high-end resort tourism associated with islands, logistics services and especially high-end complex tourism service areas integrated with casinos - a model that has proven successful in many developed countries. In addition, specific policies also aim to thoroughly resolve existing bottlenecks, from complicated administrative procedures, limitations in decentralization of authority, to barriers in attracting strategic investment; strengthening, decentralizing, and authorizing the head of the special zone, thereby creating conditions for the special zone government to be proactive and creative in building an open, transparent and competitive business environment.

Ao Tien high-class port.

According to a recent report by the Ministry of Finance to the Standing Committee of the Government Party Committee on the pilot development of special mechanisms and policies for the development of Van Don Special Economic Zone: Van Don has a strategic geo-economic and political position, located in the Vietnam - China economic cooperation area "Two corridors - one belt", the expanded inter-regional cooperation in the Gulf of Tonkin, the ASEAN - China bridge, the Nanning - Singapore economic corridor, in the Northern Key Economic Zone and the Hanoi - Hai Phong - Quang Ninh growth triangle. Van Don is not only prominent in terms of geographical location, but is also the largest archipelago in the North, located in the World Heritage - Natural Wonder complex of Ha Long Bay - Bai Tu Long Bay, with a diverse ecosystem, many pristine beaches...

From such favorable conditions, the Ministry of Finance has boldly proposed that the Standing Committee of the Government Party Committee report to the Politburo for policy, requesting the National Assembly to consider and issue a resolution on piloting specific mechanisms and policies for the development of Van Don Special Economic Zone. Accordingly, there will be 10 groups of mechanisms and policies with 23 specific policies proposed by the Ministry of Finance, notably: Attracting strategic investors; establishing free trade zones; land management; developing the marine economy; regulations on visas and transit; attracting and developing human resources; attracting resources in the province; organizing the special zone government.

Crystal Holidays Harbour Van Don project - High-class resort and entertainment complex in Ao Tien is under construction.

The implementation of these specific mechanisms and policies is not only an urgent requirement for Van Don to promote its role as an economic driving force of Quang Ninh province, but also contributes to affirming Vietnam's position on the global economic map. Van Don Special Economic Zone is expected to become a "lighthouse" of the marine economy, a place where cultural, technological and commercial values ​​converge; and at the same time, a strategic bridge in international trade. To achieve this goal, mechanisms and policies need to be built in a synchronous and flexible manner, suitable for the context of deep economic integration and ensuring feasibility, transparency, meeting the requirements of national defense and security and social stability.

Mr. Pham Xuan Dai, Head of the Provincial Economic Zone Management Board, said: Outstanding preferential policies, from corporate income tax exemption and reduction, long-term land lease incentives, to establishing a duty-free zone, along with a streamlined management mechanism, will create conditions for Van Don to attract strategic investment projects in the fields of high technology, luxury tourism, seaports and international trade.

The pilot project of special mechanisms and policies for the development of Van Don Special Economic Zone is therefore not only a local development plan but also a long-term aspiration of Vietnam, aiming to become a multi-industry marine economic zone, combining entertainment industry, casino, high-end tourism and general services, logistics; at the same time, it is an international trade gateway with globally competitive products.

Manh Truong

Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/de-van-don-som-tro-thanh-ngon-hai-dang-kinh-te-bien-3361087.html