Many shops in Phong Thai ward display and introduce OCOP products.

Solid foundation, ample room for growth.

Following the reorganization of administrative units and the transition to a two-tiered government model, Phong Thai ward has a natural area of ​​over 187 km² and a population of over 37,400 people. The expanded administrative space not only facilitates management but also provides the locality with more room for comprehensive development.

According to Mr. Hoang Ngoc Hoa, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Phong Thai Ward, the ward has been allocated a total capital of approximately 585 billion VND for socio -economic infrastructure investment during the 2021-2025 period, with public investment accounting for over 530 billion VND. From this resource, many transportation, public service, and commercial projects have been invested in, gradually improving the quality of life for the people.

A key highlight of Phong Thai is its favorable geographical location. The area is traversed by National Highway 1 and the Cam Lo - La Son expressway, along with numerous major roads connecting to the Phong Dien and Tu Ha industrial zones and agricultural and forestry production areas in the sandy and hilly regions. This is considered a crucial condition for future economic development. Furthermore, many key projects of the central government and the city are being implemented in the area, such as: the expansion of Hue Central Hospital's second facility, the second phase of the Cam Lo - La Son expressway, the North-South high-speed railway project, and urban renovation and new residential area projects, creating new attractions for investors and businesses from both within and outside the locality.

According to the plan, from now until 2030, the locality will continue to implement more than 31 projects with a budget of approximately 75 billion VND, contributing to the completion of technical infrastructure, urban beautification, and improvement of people's quality of life.

Identifying new pillars of development

To create space for a new phase of development, the Party Committee and government of Phong Thai ward have oriented development based on three main economic pillars. Among these, trade and services are identified as one of the key growth drivers. Currently, Phong Thai ward is actively seeking investment in commercial centers and supermarkets in the An Lo intersection area, outside the Thanh Tan Tourist Area; and upgrading traditional markets such as An Lo, Son Qua, and Phu markets to modern models.

Beyond just buying and selling, the locality is also developing OCOP product showrooms, accommodation services, and food establishments, gradually forming night-time economic models in some central areas and along the northern embankment of the Bo River. This direction is expected to attract the service and trade sectors and expand job opportunities for the people.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong, a business owner at An Lo Market, believes that recent infrastructure investment and expansion of development space in Phong Thai have created more favorable conditions for small traders' business activities. Residents hope the local authorities will continue to invest in the comprehensive development of transportation infrastructure, markets, and related services to make business more efficient.

Besides trade and services, Phong Thai ward is also focusing on developing industry and small-scale handicrafts. This sector is experiencing new breakthroughs by exploiting the advantages of the inland sandy areas, along with a convenient transportation system and connectivity with the Phong Dien Industrial Park. Currently, the ward is prioritizing attracting clean industrial projects, renewable energy, and deep processing of sand and forestry and agricultural products to increase production value. The goal is for the industry and small-scale handicraft sector to achieve an average growth rate of over 11% per year, becoming an important pillar for the local economy.

In the agricultural sector, although its proportion is trending downwards, Phong Thai ward still identifies it as the foundation for sustainable development. According to the plan, the ward will reorganize production according to the specific soil conditions of each region, focusing on improving product quality and value. Specifically, the area in the former Phong Hien commune is planned for the development of high-quality, specialty rice. The western area, formerly part of Phong Son commune, will focus on the production and sale of OCOP products, large-scale timber plantations, and forest product processing. Alongside this, the ward encourages people to apply science and technology to production, gradually shifting towards a safe agricultural model that is adaptable to climate change.

Text and photos: Song Minh

Source: https://huengaynay.vn/kinh-te/phong-thai-khoi-thong-nguon-luc-166049.html