Expanding regional development space

After many years of persistently building infrastructure, perfecting mechanisms and expanding cooperation, Quang Ninh has formed a wider and more effective regional network. From strategic transport projects to cross-border cooperation agreements, it is creating an important foundation for Quang Ninh to continue expanding its development space and leading new growth drivers in the coming time.

On November 1, Van Don International Airport officially operated the first charter flight from Shenzhen (China) to Quang Ninh .

The biggest highlight in the regional connectivity of Quang Ninh is the most modern and synchronous infrastructure system in the country. Over the past decade, the province has boldly implemented the flexible "public-private investment" model, mobilizing hundreds of thousands of billions of VND for strategic highways such as: Ha Long - Hai Phong, Ha Long - Van Don, Van Don - Mong Cai, Van Don International Airport... As soon as the traffic corridors are completed, the distance between Quang Ninh and major economic centers such as: Hanoi, Hai Phong, Lang Son... is significantly shortened. The Mong Cai border area is no longer the end point but becomes an important gateway to connect to the market of more than 1.4 billion Chinese people, opening up an international tourism - trade connection axis, an advantage that not many localities possess.

Not only connecting infrastructure, Quang Ninh is also a pioneer in the thinking of developing together with neighboring localities. The province actively participates in the general coordination mechanisms of the Red River Delta; signing strategic cooperation agreements with localities: Hai Phong, Hanoi, Lang Son, Cao Bang..., unifying socio-economic development, especially in logistics, tourism, border trade and clean industry development. In the economic triangle of Hanoi - Hai Phong - Quang Ninh, the province and localities have clearly identified the role and strengths when Hanoi is the political - economic - scientific center, Hai Phong is the international seaport hub and Quang Ninh takes on the role of a gateway for trade, a key point in tourism, energy industry, and logistics.

From that clear "role division", the linkage activities have become more effective and sustainable, avoiding the situation of overlapping investment or unnecessary competition. The province has proactively developed new industrial parks along the highway corridor, such as: Amata Ha Long, Song Khoai - Quang Yen, Nam Tien Phong, Bac Tien Phong... These industrial parks not only attract high-quality FDI but also expand the production space of the Northern coastal region, create jobs for workers and contribute greatly to overall growth.

In addition to being proactive in infrastructure investment, the province has also proactively implemented innovative pilot mechanisms to promote regional connectivity. Accordingly, the province is coordinating with central ministries and branches to develop a pilot mechanism and policy project for the development of Van Don Economic Zone. At the same time, it is developing a framework agreement for piloting the Mong Cai - Dong Hung cross-border industrial cooperation zone with 6 cooperative industry contents (industry, trade, border gate services, logistics, artificial intelligence (AI) and human resource training for cooperative industries); establishing a Steering Committee and a Working Group to develop mechanisms and policies for piloting the implementation of the Vietnam - China cross-border economic cooperation zone. Currently, the province is directing to review the planning, create clean land fund, prioritize investment attraction, promote industry cooperation in border areas, focusing on strategic locations such as Hai Yen industrial park, Km3-Km4 wharf area (Hai Yen ward) and industrial park north of Luc Lam river.

The Hanoi - Quang Ninh high-speed railway project is expected to be put into commercial operation in 2028. Illustrative photo

At the same time, focus on completing the pilot project to build a smart border gate at Mong Cai International Border Gate (Vietnam) - Dongxing (China) to submit to the Prime Minister for approval. The project will help optimize the entry and exit process, reduce costs, shorten customs clearance time and increase border trade capacity. In particular, the province is coordinating with relevant units to study and develop a detailed plan for the Hai Phong - Ha Long - Mong Cai railway line; study the Hanoi - Quang Ninh high-speed railway project; speed up the investment progress of the Van Ninh Port project and promote investment attraction at Con Ong - Hon Net Port. The above projects will help Quang Ninh not only increase its economic scale but also turn Quang Ninh into a modern, international, leading maritime economic center in Southeast Asia and a driving force for the region's development as well as create a new boost for the tourism industry.

Identifying regional linkage as not only "connecting" but also "accompanying - sharing - developing together", the province strengthens cooperation in developing heritage economy, enhancing the brand value of localities, especially: World Natural Heritage Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago; World Cultural Heritage Complex of Monuments and Landscapes Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son, Kiep Bac...

From success in infrastructure construction to “open” thinking with appropriate mechanisms, Quang Ninh is confident in building a model for sustainable regional connectivity in the entire Northern region.

Hoang Nga

Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/mo-rong-khong-gian-phat-trien-vung-3385348.html