PM Chính Urges Transformation of Côn Đảo into World-Class Green Tourism Destination
Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu, The Gulf Observer: Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has called on the southern province of Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu to transform its Côn Đảo island district into a world-class tourist destination that is bright, green, clean, and beautiful, while also serving as a strong national defence outpost and a hub for maritime economic growth.
During a working session on Saturday with the Standing Board of the provincial Party Committee, PM Chính urged provincial authorities to finalise and implement a comprehensive scheme to apply special mechanisms for Côn Đảo’s development. He emphasised the island’s strategic significance, noting its dual mission to enhance Vietnam’s international standing and protect national sovereignty.
Identifying infrastructure as a major bottleneck to growth, the Prime Minister tasked the province with spearheading investment mobilisation for the development of Côn Đảo’s international airport through public-private partnerships. He stressed the importance of integrated planning across healthcare, education, culture, and social infrastructure, alongside investments in power supply, clean water systems, waste treatment, 5G coverage, and environmental greening of cemeteries on the island.
PM Chính called for the establishment of a one-stop public service centre and urged the province to attract high-quality human resources and strategic investments that align economic growth with defence priorities.
Despite global economic uncertainties, Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu achieved strong performance in the first quarter of 2025, with 12 out of 14 key economic and financial indicators showing year-on-year growth. The province’s gross regional domestic product (GRDP) rose by 2.48%, while total investment capital from domestic and foreign sources surpassed VNĐ53 trillion (US$2.03 billion). State budget revenue reached VNĐ25.5 trillion, or 24.9% of the annual target. Additionally, 405 new businesses were registered, with total capital exceeding VNĐ9 trillion, marking a 75.47% increase year on year.
Côn Đảo District, comprising 16 islands with a total area of about 76 square kilometers and a population of over 12,000, has seen substantial progress in infrastructure development. Major ongoing projects include the extension of the national power grid, a clean water supply system, a combined military-civilian hospital, upgrades to wastewater treatment facilities, and a new solid waste treatment plant.
The province also requested government support to address regulatory and logistical bottlenecks in key chemical and petrochemical projects, increase power output from the Phú Mỹ Thermal Power Centre, fast-track provincial planning revisions, and approve significant transport infrastructure projects, including airports, seaports, expressways, and railways. Authorities proposed government approval for a master plan to upgrade Côn Đảo Airport through 2030, with a vision to 2050, alongside tailored policies to unlock the island’s development potential.
Praising the locality’s achievements, PM Chính urged Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu and Côn Đảo to embody the bold and fast-paced spirit of the historic April 1975 campaign, pushing for transformative breakthroughs to honor the sacrifices of past generations.
He called on provincial leaders to remain adaptive, proactive, and focused on results, with clearly defined responsibilities and high-impact solutions. Stressing a people- and business-centered approach, the Prime Minister encouraged greater decentralisation, targeted resource allocation, and streamlining of administrative procedures to reduce burdens and enhance efficiency.
Finally, PM Chính highlighted the importance of preparing for upcoming Party congresses, advancing administrative reforms, promoting scientific and technological innovation, boosting private sector development, and fostering international integration — all while maintaining national sovereignty and public safety.
