Digital infrastructure paves the way for the development of the maritime economy .
In Vietnam's maritime economic development plan, Tho Chau is identified as a strategic outpost in the southwestern sea region, a strategic stopover point on international shipping routes. Previously, it was one of the most remote and isolated islands. But that's a thing of the past. Now, with strong investment in transportation, telecommunications, and logistics infrastructure, Tho Chau is gradually integrating into the country's overall development. The changes in Tho Chau today are measured not only by existing infrastructure projects but also by the extent to which the gap has been "bridged" through digital transformation.
Fishermen on Tho Chau Island begin their day.
In the southwestern sea region, live-streamed seafood sales, cross-border video calls, and orders finalized via smartphones have become commonplace in Tho Chau. Previously, islanders relied almost entirely on traders and infrequent ships from the mainland. Now, thanks to 5G and high-speed internet coverage, trade has dramatically changed. Ms. Huynh Thi Vang, who has lived on the island for over 20 years, recalls that in the past, only a few ships arrived each month, goods were frequently scarce, and communication with the mainland was unreliable. Now, cargo ships arrive weekly, and ordering and trading are done online. “Before, a ship only came once a month. Now, ships come and go three times a week, and the internet connection is always strong. Sending goods, agricultural products from the mainland, or seafood is incredibly convenient,” Ms. Vang shared.
The emergence of "digital small traders" on remote islands shows that digital infrastructure is no longer a distant concept in this coastal region. With just a smartphone, islanders can access a vast market, proactively consume seafood, and reduce dependence on intermediaries. Behind these online markets lies the transformation of the island's telecommunications infrastructure. 5G technology and satellite internet not only serve the needs of the local population but also support fishing ground management, monitor fishing vessels, and enhance connectivity between the islands and the mainland.
Narrowing the geographical gap
Digital infrastructure has not only changed livelihoods but also contributed to transforming the spiritual lives of people on remote islands. For Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Thoang, who has been living on Tho Chau Island for over two decades, the internet has become a "connecting link to the mainland." "With a strong internet connection, I can livestream my sales. Customers from far away place many orders. Since the new infrastructure projects were completed, the atmosphere on the island has become much more lively. Hearing that the island will soon have an airport, we believe that the future will be even more prosperous," Ms. Thoang said.
The transformation of Tho Chau Island has also made a strong impression on many first-time visitors. Mr. Nguyen Thanh Ngo, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Khanh Hoa Ward, Can Tho City, commented: “On my first visit to Tho Chau, I was truly surprised by the island's rapid development. Almost everything the mainland has, the islanders have too. The people's lives are quite prosperous, and they have great confidence in the Party's reform policies and the country's orientation towards developing the marine economy.”
Major General Tran Van Xuan, Deputy Political Commissar of the Vietnam Coast Guard (3rd from the right), and Mr. Tran Quoc Vu, Vice Chairman of the People's Council of Can Tho City (4th from the right), visit fishermen on Tho Chau Island. Photo: Ai Nuong
From a socio-cultural research perspective, Dr. Ta Duc Tu from Can Tho University believes that the transformation of Tho Chau Island is not simply a story of infrastructure investment, but also reflects a shift in the nation's thinking regarding the development of islands and coastal areas. For many years, the concept of "remote islands" was often associated with isolation, scarcity, and distance. But now, with increasingly improved digital infrastructure, transportation, and services, social awareness of island and coastal regions is clearly changing. "Today's Tho Chau shows that when connecting infrastructure is invested in comprehensively, especially digital infrastructure, geographical distance is no longer a major barrier. People on the island have closer access to education, healthcare, commerce, and cultural life on the mainland. This is a very important foundation for forming a stable and sustainable island and coastal community," Dr. Ta Duc Tu stated.
From an island once considered "remote" in the Western Sea, Tho Chau is gradually transforming into a green, modern, and connected island city. With digital infrastructure taking precedence, geographical disadvantages are gradually being transformed into advantages for the development of the marine economy, fisheries logistics services, trade, and tourism. More importantly, Tho Chau's transformation demonstrates a new approach to island development today: not only investing in infrastructure, but also creating modern, connected, and sustainable living spaces for residents in remote coastal areas.
According to Baocantho.com.vn
Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/tho-chau-khong-xa--a487819.html
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