Why was Da Nang chosen as a pilot location for a "new development model"?

According to Associate Professor Tran Dinh Thien, former Director of the Vietnam Institute of Economics , Da Nang already has the "momentum" and "position" to seize the opportunity for rapid development if the specific policies for the city are approved by the National Assembly this time.

Associate Professor - Dr. Tran Dinh Thien, former Director of the Vietnam Institute of Economics.

Da Nang excels thanks to its world-class mindset.

Sir, it is expected that at this session, the National Assembly will discuss the " Resolution amending and supplementing Resolution No. 119/2020/QH14 on piloting the urban government model and some specific mechanisms and policies for the development of Da Nang City". What role will the adoption of this Resolution play, and what impetus will it create to promote Da Nang's development?

Da Nang is a pioneer, and naturally, it will be constrained. If it has to comply with the usual rules and regulations common to the whole country, it will be like other localities that are "behind." That is why the National Assembly and the Government have allowed Da Nang, as well as some other provinces and cities, to have special mechanisms, permitting them to "develop ahead of schedule" and pilot "new development models."

In a context where the existing institutional and policy framework is restrictive and no longer suitable, the empowerment granted to Da Nang has given the city a rare opportunity for development, creating space for significant progress.

However, as we all know, good things are never easy to achieve. Opportunities don't automatically translate into benefits. In fact, the likelihood of opportunities turning into challenges is even higher.

So what should Da Nang do to seize this opportunity, sir?

Given the current conditions regarding resources, institutions, and vision, it is not easy for Da Nang to develop a truly smart and innovative city, or to build a highly competitive international financial center. It is even more difficult for Lien Chieu Port to become the Da Nang International Transshipment Port as planned.

But on the other hand, it can be said that for Da Nang, anything is possible. The past 27 years have proven that.

Da Nang has developed strongly in recent years. Photo: Nguyen Trinh

The idea of ​​building a new generation Free Trade Zone, which Da Nang is actively proposing and preparing for implementation, is one of the major directions that will help the city quickly transform its entire development landscape.

As a model of development, the new generation Free Trade Zone – connected to Lien Chieu Port, Da Nang International Airport, and with a new development structure based on two main axes: High-tech industry and world-class tourism services – will be a new driving force for the city's development in the new phase.

But that brilliant idea is, of course, not easy to put into practice.

Da Nang needs to clearly define the concept of a "New Generation Free Trade Zone." The risk of repeating the old ways, of not daring to "play" ahead and surpass expectations, is very high. And in that case, the outcome will be backwardness.

Next came a whole action plan – decisive, even fierce, at the national level. In this era, slowness means death. The success of the idea required a fighting spirit and maximum support from the central government and the entire country, as well as the utmost efforts of Da Nang and the entire region.

This is a major, long-term race that requires even more active participation from the business sector than Da Nang has achieved in the past 27 years.

But the real difficulties have only just begun.

Currently, Da Nang is making a positive new beginning in that direction. The initial momentum and position have been established, creating confidence in the city's prospects for breakthroughs within the overall national context.

With numerous accolades such as ranking second in the Top 11 Best Destinations in Asia, and being one of the most livable cities in the world… In your opinion, what are the reasons behind Da Nang's current impressive image?

After 27 years, Da Nang has experienced miraculous development. The city has completely transformed its development model, surpassing international standards, and its appeal is now global. The current image of Da Nang is vastly different, with its urban space expanding more than three times. This can only be called a "miracle." Therefore, it's easy to understand why Da Nang is a worthwhile place to visit and live.

World-class shows contribute to attracting tourists to Da Nang.

Da Nang achieved this not simply because it "boomed" after separating from Quang Nam. With its new status – a centrally-governed city, the center of the Central Coast – Da Nang was entrusted with a larger role and a different position. This was a necessary condition and a significant starting point for its breakthrough.

But the crucial factor that has helped Da Nang achieve its current success is its unique vision.

That's the vision for developing high-class tourism, even though the locality also has other strengths. With that vision, Da Nang has actively sought and successfully attracted worthy investors, most notably Sun Group, and is increasingly attracting more large and high-class corporations and businesses to invest in tourism. "High-class" doesn't necessarily mean large, but businesses must reach a high level of development and be distinctive. Da Nang excels because of this "high-class" mindset.

Along with that, the support from the central government, notably the projects to develop the international airport and synchronized transportation infrastructure connecting the region, has helped to systematically realize the vision of developing a modern Da Nang city.

Another point worth emphasizing is that Da Nang has acted in accordance with the principles of market competition, especially international competition. The government understands that businesses are the decisive force and that for development to occur, businesses must be strong. Therefore, the vision and role of the government have been correctly defined to develop businesses, serving as a "springboard" for Da Nang's success.

The Golden Bridge in Da Nang has become a symbol of Vietnamese tourism.

This city also possesses a foundation that few localities can match. It is "unrivaled" in the PCI (Provincial Competitiveness Index) ranking, even when Da Nang faced the Covid-19 pandemic or other challenges. Perhaps, to date, only Quang Ninh can rival Da Nang in this race.

Da Nang has truly earned the trust of businesses and entrepreneurs. This is a lesson that many other localities have successfully applied. Binh Duong, Bac Ninh, Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, Ninh Thuan, etc. It is capability that creates strength. By choosing the right direction, Da Nang has succeeded. I believe that Da Nang will continue to succeed in the coming period, continuing to break through in the new race.

Cultural roots provide the impetus for success.

How would you assess the contributions of large businesses to Da Nang's development in recent times?

The economic development of localities, including Da Nang, relies heavily on businesses. The government provides support and encouragement, but the direct driving force behind economic growth and development is the businesses themselves.

Businesses in Da Nang possess a unique advantage rarely found elsewhere, thanks to the collaboration between large corporations and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), forming a highly competitive "fighting force." This collaborative strength is further enhanced when businesses unite, becoming a "unit" that supports each other, all sharing a common vision for the development of Da Nang.

Da Nang's "passion" permeates even the economic sector, creating a synergistic force that has propelled the city to become a model of development and a leading destination.

The Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF) lights up the Han River.

In this business linkage structure and model, the role of large corporations must be emphasized, both as leaders of development and as foundations for breakthroughs. The Sun Group development chain can be considered a prime example, as it has decisively contributed to changing the mindset of tourism development, elevating Da Nang on the world tourism map with InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, Sun World Ba Na Hills, the International Fireworks Festival... – tourism products reaching the pinnacle of class and distinction. Overall, Sun Group can be considered the one who set the "standard" and "development approach" for Da Nang. Along with that, other corporations and businesses have converged on Da Nang, entering the Da Nang market according to that standard.

Throughout its development, Sun Group has consistently adhered to its philosophy of creating đẳng cấp (class/excellence) and distinction. I call that uniqueness. The Da Nang International Fireworks Festival is one of a kind; the Golden Bridge is distinctive. Or the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, which has always been a symbol of unique architectural resort design… Shaping such high-class distinctiveness is a way to guide other businesses to continue contributing their part to Da Nang – in a consistent yet distinctive way.

As a result, Da Nang avoids fluctuations in its development status and erratic seasonal patterns. On the contrary, the city continues to attract new businesses while maintaining its pace and increasing its attractiveness.

In short, Da Nang's formula for success is a government with a development-oriented approach, creating a favorable business environment; enabling businesses – the "fighting force" – to constantly strive for uniqueness and differentiation, and remain competitive.

Whether born in Da Nang or an immigrant, everyone shares a common emotional attachment to this land. Could this unity and shared purpose be the driving force behind Da Nang's progress?

Da Nang possesses unique cultural characteristics that form the foundation for tourism, especially international tourism. This is a culture deeply rooted in human kindness. The attitude of "respecting guests," encompassing affection, sincerity, and a willingness to share and help, is the focal point and crystallization of Da Nang's culture.

Da Nang's successful development in recent years, most notably in tourism, stems from that very culture.

Culture lies in human relationships. In Da Nang, culture—trust in humanity—is deeply ingrained in the behavior of the people and the conduct of the government. This is easily felt.

Therefore, Da Nang is not only a place worth visiting, but also a place worth living in, and even more importantly, a place worth contributing to. True human kindness and culture always strive towards this and will crystallize there, driving society to improve and live for common goals. That is the essence of the people of Da Nang, the human kindness of Da Nang.

Currently, many people want to live in Da Nang long-term, including foreigners. In your opinion, what should a livable city do in terms of planning to attract high-quality residents to settle there?

With the selective, distinctive, and world-class development currently underway, urban organization must align with this development direction, becoming a place that attracts major investors, talented individuals, and wealthy people.

Therefore, Da Nang must orient itself towards developing into a luxurious, smart, civilized, and highly competitive city.

In addition, institutional support is needed to enable the city to be autonomous in its development planning. Accordingly, Da Nang needs to establish urban design standards and criteria to ensure a civilized city and urban development according to a well-planned and directed approach.

Currently, Da Nang possesses the necessary elements: well-planned urban development, a guaranteed modern lifestyle, high-quality services, a civilized environment, and adequate social infrastructure. Urban areas in districts such as Cam Le and Hoa Xuan meet modern standards, providing a high-quality living space. The development of Da Nang today needs to follow two directions: firstly, a modern city with a high-quality living environment; and secondly, accelerated development of the night-time economy.

Another factor is that Da Nang's land resources are limited, so it's necessary to consider urban development that connects with urban routes in Quang Nam or Thua Thien Hue provinces. This would expand urban space for investors while ensuring that Da Nang's unique values ​​are further enhanced. Alternatively, the city could be oriented towards developing along the Han River, leveraging the strength of the river flowing through the city.

Source: https://baodautu.vn/vi-sao-da-nang-duoc-thi-diem-hinh-mau-phat-trien-moi-d215810.html