Breakthrough creation from the sea

Farmers in Kien Hai special economic zone raise fish in cages. Photo: THANH DU

New momentum from existing strengths

An Giang possesses outstanding sea and island tourism potential, with a coastline of over 200km and more than 140 large and small islands. In particular, Phu Quoc pearl island is an attractive destination, with focused investment to develop into a service center, high-quality eco-tourism, and international-class sea and island tourism.

An Giang's sea area is more than 63,000 km2, with a rich ecosystem, many beautiful beaches, seafood and unique marine culture. The system of seaports, international airports and tourism infrastructure is increasingly complete. These are favorable conditions for the province to strongly develop its marine economy .

In the 2020 - 2025 term, despite many difficulties due to the pandemic, climate change, and fluctuating material prices, An Giang still achieved many important results in developing the marine economy, contributing greatly to the province's GRDP growth. Marine tourism and services developed strongly, with the number of tourists increasing by an average of about 14% per year and revenue increasing by 30 - 50% per year.

Marine aquaculture activities continue to be maintained and expanded, seafood exports have grown steadily. These changes confirm that choosing the marine economy as a strategic breakthrough in the coming term is the right direction, demonstrating the innovative thinking and long-term vision of the Provincial Party Committee.

Long-term vision

The draft Political Report identifies the focus on developing the marine economy, making An Giang a strong marine economic center of the country. This is a practical orientation, demonstrating the province's aspiration to rise and innovative thinking.

The determination of the above breakthrough not only comes from the available potential and internal needs but also in line with the trend of regional connectivity and increasingly deep international integration. The Mekong Delta is facing many challenges such as climate change, salinity intrusion, and water resource depletion, while the potential of the marine economy has not yet been fully exploited.

In addition to possessing a long coastline and many islands, An Giang also welcomes the Mekong River flowing through two branches of the Tien and Hau rivers, and is located on the border with neighboring Cambodia... so it can completely play the role of a center for coordinating sea - river - border logistics, thereby creating a new driving force for the entire region.

In addition, in the context of shifting global supply chains after the COVID-19 pandemic, the Southwest region has emerged as a potential area. If An Giang takes advantage of its advantages to develop logistics, seafood processing, and marine services connecting Phu Quoc, Rach Gia with Ca Mau..., it can completely become a strategic link in the regional and national marine economic map.

To successfully implement the breakthrough, the draft Political Report proposes solutions to implement the project to develop An Giang into a strong national marine economic center. At the same time, the province will promote the strength of the alluvial sea to carry out works and projects to reclaim the sea to create land for coastal urban development; build a large fishing center, a focal center associated with the raw material area for aquatic products in coastal areas, and form a biodiversity research center in Phu Quoc.

Science, technology and digital transformation will also be important driving forces in developing the marine economy. Therefore, the province needs to promote the application of high technology in aquaculture, exploitation and processing of aquatic products; digital transformation in management of marine resources and environment, logistics, seaports, tourism, etc. Along with that, training and attracting high-quality human resources, especially in the fields of renewable energy, marine services and integrated marine management.

With its existing potential and foundation and the proposed strategic orientation, we believe that An Giang will increasingly "reach out to the sea" to promote the province's rapid and sustainable development. To realize this aspiration, the province needs a streamlined, effective and efficient apparatus; a team of cadres at all levels who are courageous, dedicated, dare to think, dare to do; and high consensus within the entire political system and the people.

When breakthrough thinking is combined with drastic actions and effective investment resources, the marine economy will certainly become a pillar of growth, creating a strong shift to help An Giang rise to the level of a strong marine economic center of the country.

SECURITY

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/kien-tao-dot-pha-tu-bien-a462671.html