Building Tho Chau into a green, strong and sustainable island special zone

General Secretary To Lam with officers and soldiers on duty in Tho Chau special zone, An Giang province. (Photo: VNA)

Accompanying were Politburo members, Party Central Committee Secretaries: Le Minh Hung, Head of the Central Organizing Committee; Bui Thi Minh Hoai, President of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front; Politburo members: Nguyen Xuan Thang, Director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council; Nguyen Hoa Binh , Permanent Deputy Prime Minister; General Phan Van Giang, Minister of National Defense; General Luong Tam Quang, Minister of Public Security; Nguyen Duy Ngoc, Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee; Secretariat members, Party Central Committee members, leaders of central departments, ministries, branches, An Giang province, Military Region 9.

Tho Chau Special Zone (An Giang) consists of 8 islands, with a total natural area of nearly 14km2, about 220km from the provincial administrative center, with an important strategic position, being the southwesternmost outpost of the Fatherland. From July 1, 2025, Tho Chau Special Zone will operate a new organizational apparatus in accordance with the direction of the Central Government and the province; well performing political tasks, economic, cultural and social development; political security and social order and safety are maintained. The Party Committee of the Special Zone has 7 subordinate Party cells with 121 Party members.

Speaking at the meeting, General Secretary To Lam shared the difficulties that the islanders have to face such as scorching sun, fierce winds, year-round waves, lack of electricity, fresh water, schools, infirmaries...

The General Secretary emphasized that Tho Chau special zone has just been established, the population is not large, and transportation connecting the islands is still difficult, but this place is a fulcrum to keep peace for the entire southwestern sea and the Fatherland's border. The most valuable thing is that Tho Chau has solidarity and connection between the government and the people.

The General Secretary affirmed that in order to sustainably develop Tho Chau special zone and improve people's lives, An Giang province needs to coordinate with the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Public Security and relevant ministries and branches to build a sustainable development plan for the special zone in conjunction with ensuring national defense and security; focus on supporting Tho Chau special zone in studying the feasibility of building stable residential areas, upgrading island roads and other traffic works; complete water source projects, study electricity and telecommunications sources. Focus on building Tho Chau special zone with a stable apparatus, smoothly operating two-level local government; research and build a large-scale seafood purchasing and processing production and service area, focusing on researching high-tech marine farming and modern fishing logistics; Research to attract investment in tourism development according to planning... Emphasizing that population development is a strategic, long-term content of sustainable development of seas and islands, the General Secretary requested to take care of Tho Chau from the most basic and essential things, with adequate healthcare, solid education, and rich culture, so that every citizen, every officer, soldier, and every child on remote islands can fully enjoy the right to development.

The General Secretary suggested that the Ministry of National Defense focus on consolidating the sea-island defense posture, studying the feasibility of building a dual-use airport, upgrading two dual-use fishing ports to serve fishing logistics; building Tho Chau into a strategic fulcrum in the southwestern defense system, investing in appropriate defense, rescue equipment and naval logistics facilities; and strictly controlling residence and land.

The General Secretary noted that sustainable development is the goal and task of the Party Committees, authorities at all levels and the people of Tho Chau special zone, which must create and maintain a balance between economy, society and environment; sustainable development associated with ensuring national defense and security; harmonious development of nature, society and people, placing people's welfare at the center. This is the time for the Party Committee, authorities, soldiers and people of Tho Chau special zone to move forward with the spirit of "Solidarity - Democracy - Discipline - Breakthrough - Development"; determined to build Tho Chau into a springboard for development, to go offshore, and a stronghold to ensure national defense and security. The Party Committee, authorities, soldiers and people of Tho Chau special zone are united in building a new Tho Chau with a stable economy, sustainable ecology, solid national defense and security, a green, strong and sustainable sea and island special zone.

On this occasion, General Secretary To Lam and the Central Working Delegation respectfully offered flowers and incense in memory, expressing their infinite gratitude to President Ho Chi Minh - National Liberation Hero, Outstanding Cultural Man and Heroic Martyrs at Tho Chau Temple.

Source: https://nhandan.vn/xay-dung-tho-chau-tro-thanh-mot-dac-khu-bien-dao-xanh-manh-ben-vung-post924386.html