Rach Gia: The provincial capital city aiming for new heights.

A view of Rach Gia city. Photo: HOANG GIAM

This is a testament to the dynamism of a provincial capital city, a testament to the strategic vision in urban development of the entire Mekong Delta region.

1. With a natural area of ​​104.46 km² and comprising 11 administrative units, Rach Gia plays a central role in the economic , cultural, and social development of Kien Giang province. Located at the gateway to the Mekong Delta, bordering the Gulf of Thailand with 20 km of coastline, the city possesses significant potential for the development of marine economy and tourism.

The city's transportation infrastructure is comprehensively developed, encompassing road, waterway, and air transport, including Rach Gia Airport, two major passenger ferry terminals, and important routes such as National Highway 80 and Lac Hong Boulevard. These projects not only connect Rach Gia with other localities in the region but also expand international trade, particularly with ASEAN countries.

Rach Gia's development is not limited to transportation infrastructure but is also reflected in its impressive economic growth rate. Between 2021 and 2023, the city's average growth reached 9.41% per year, a figure far exceeding that of many other localities in the region. Rach Gia is one of the four dynamic urban centers of the Mekong Delta, contributing to the development of the region and the entire country. With the orientation of becoming a modern center for trade, marine tourism , marine economy, and fisheries, the city has been building a brand as a model, modern, and sustainable coastal city.

The achievements of Rach Gia are not accidental but the result of long-term strategies and systematic investment. According to Decision No. 241/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister on the national urban upgrading plan for the period 2021-2030, Rach Gia has been designated as a Type I urban area in the period 2021-2025. This demonstrates the Government's confidence in the city's role and potential. Furthermore, Decision No. 1024/QD-UBND of Kien Giang province clearly affirms Rach Gia's nature as the economic, cultural, educational , medical, and scientific and technological center of the province, as well as a center for the marine economy and commercial services of the Mekong Delta coastal region.

2. However, to achieve Type I urban status, the city needs to maintain its growth momentum and improve key criteria regarding urban infrastructure, environment, and quality of life. At the Rach Gia urban classification project review meeting on December 27th, Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Viet Hung emphasized the need to continue reviewing, supplementing, and perfecting the criteria, especially regarding the development of healthcare, education, environment, and public services. The review council also suggested that the city focus on developing a green and smart city, responding to climate change, and ensuring a balance between economic development and environmental protection. These are major challenges that Rach Gia needs to overcome to truly become a sustainable Type I urban area.

The focus on developing green and smart cities has opened up many opportunities for Rach Gia in attracting investment capital and building modern infrastructure projects. The project to upgrade Rach Gia Airport to level 4C is a prime example, enhancing international connectivity and providing leverage for the development of tourism and services. With its strategic location in the national key tourism region of Phu Quoc - Ha Tien - Rach Gia, the city has great potential in exploiting and developing marine tourism, contributing to diversifying budget revenue and improving the lives of its people.

Over the past period, Rach Gia has focused on economic development while also emphasizing the preservation and promotion of its cultural and historical values. The city has organized numerous heritage preservation programs, encouraged community cultural development, and built the image of a dynamic yet distinctive urban center. These efforts have created a unique identity and contributed to enhancing Rach Gia's competitiveness on the urban map of Vietnam.

3. The event where the Appraisal Council unanimously awarded the Rach Gia urban classification project 86.35/100 points, assessing it as meeting the criteria for a Type I urban area, is a significant turning point in the city's development journey. This is not only a recognition of the continuous efforts of the government and people, but also opens up a new and promising phase of development.

Rach Gia's journey to becoming a Class I city is a story of determination and strategic vision. With its inherent potential, coupled with sound investment and relentless effort, Rach Gia is gradually transforming itself into a leading economic, cultural, and tourism hub. This is a source of pride for the people of Kien Giang, a testament to the strong development of Vietnam's coastal cities in the modern era.

VIET TIEN

Source: https://www.baokiengiang.vn/ban-luan/rach-gia-do-thi-tinh-ly-huong-den-tam-cao-moi-23843.html