Exploiting the economic potential of the sea.

With its immense potential, the province is focusing on exploiting its strengths in developing the marine economy, aiming to become a national marine economic center by 2030.

An Giang strives to reduce the proportion of marine exploitation to 20% by 2030. Photo: THANH TIEN

Abundant potential

With a sea area of ​​over 63,000 ^km² , a coastline of over 200 km, and more than 140 large and small islands, An Giang possesses abundant potential for marine economic development . Recognizing this potential, the Provincial Party Committee issued Action Program 47-CTr/TU on implementing Resolution No. 36-NQ/TW of the 12th Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam on the strategy for sustainable development of Vietnam's marine economy until 2030, with a vision to 2045, making a significant contribution to the province's socio-economic development goals.

According to the Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment, Le Huu Toan, the province's marine tourism activities have developed positively in recent years. By August 2025, the province had attracted 317 investment projects in the tourism sector with a scale of nearly 10,000 hectares and a total investment capital of over 402,000 billion VND. Distinct and well-developed marine tourism activities include scuba diving, fishing, paragliding, and forest tours… “The highlight in the goal of developing the marine economy is the fisheries sector with abundant potential, especially marine aquaculture. We are advising the Provincial People's Committee to implement the Project on Sustainable Marine Aquaculture Development in the province until 2030, and are finalizing the Project to develop An Giang into a national marine economic center according to Resolution No. 13-NQ/TW of the Politburo ,” said Mr. Le Huu Toan.

As a company that has made its mark in the field of artificial pearl farming, Ngoc Hien Phu Quoc Pearl Co., Ltd. is a pioneer in researching, preserving, and propagating the precious Maxima pearl oyster. Simultaneously, the company combines this with tourism development to diversify products and enhance the experience for visitors to Phu Quoc Island. “We are aiming to implement an artificial pearl farming project combined with marine ecological services on a scale of approximately 1,000 hectares, applying advanced technology suitable to the natural conditions of Phu Quoc's sea area. If the project is successful, it will yield an annual production of approximately 1-1.2 million pearls. Furthermore, it will contribute to balancing the marine ecosystem, protecting the environment, and aiming for sustainable development of Phu Quoc's sea area,” said Mr. Nguyen Trong Hien, Deputy Director of Aquaculture and Project Development at Ngoc Hien Phu Quoc Pearl Co., Ltd.

An Giang's vast sea area also brings in revenue from the maritime economy, with a total cargo transport volume reaching over 75.9 million tons in 2025. In addition, the province's 11 coastal industrial zones, with a total area of ​​over 1,700 hectares, have attracted 67 projects with a total registered investment capital of approximately 13,000 billion VND. Regarding the power grid, the province has invested in and operated a 220kV submarine power line to islands such as Phu Quoc, Tien Hai, Hon Tre, and Lai Son… All of these are positive components, creating a bright overall picture of An Giang's maritime economy and paving the way for the province's development in the coming years.

Tourists swim at Mui Nai beach, Ha Tien ward. Photo: THANH TIEN

Sustainable solutions are needed.

Despite possessing abundant marine economic potential, An Giang still faces certain limitations in exploiting this fertile land. While An Giang's marine tourism products are developing, they lack diversity. Effective tourism promotion and collaboration activities are lacking, and the progress in developing detailed tourism plans is slow. Aquaculture development has not kept pace with its potential and advantages. The rate of application of high technology in marine farming, especially offshore farming, remains low. Investment projects in marine farming have received investment approval, but implementation progress is slow. The development of coastal industries, especially processing industries, is limited…

To ensure the marine economy develops as expected, the agricultural sector aims to reduce the proportion of fisheries production from 47% in 2025 to 20% by 2030; and the proportion of aquaculture production from 53% in 2025 to 80% in 2030. Simultaneously, it strives for an average annual increase of 4% in total seafood export value. The marine tourism sector is expected to welcome 39.5 million visitors, an increase of 15.9 million compared to 2025.

To achieve this goal, An Giang focuses on raising its Human Development Index above the national average. Islands with inhabitants will receive investment in basic socio-economic infrastructure, especially electricity, fresh water, telecommunications, healthcare, and education. Simultaneously, attention will be paid to training and developing human resources, forming a team of highly qualified and capable scientists for the development of the marine economy.

An Giang's marine aquaculture industry still has much room for development. Photo: THANH TIEN

In addition, the agricultural sector is establishing a digitized database on the sea and islands, ensuring integration, sharing, and updating to respond to climate change and sea level rise; strengthening management and protection of marine, coastal, and island ecosystems. “In 2026, we will actively advise the Provincial People's Committee to resolve difficulties and obstacles related to land to create development areas connected with marine aquaculture projects; review and adjust the provincial planning to conform with the national marine spatial planning. At the same time, we will implement a harmonious plan between areas attracting businesses and areas for stable, long-term production for people, linked to sustainable occupational transformation; and develop fisheries logistics service areas in four key areas: Tho Chau, Ganh Dau, An Thoi, and Tac Cau,” Mr. Le Huu Toan emphasized.

With its existing potential and the determination of An Giang province to gradually develop a sustainable marine economy, it aims to become a national marine economic center by 2030.

THANH TIEN

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/khai-thac-tiem-nang-kinh-te-bien-a481288.html