Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has approved a plan for turning the country’s central key economic zone into a centre of trade for the greater Mekong region and the Asia-Pacific region.

The central key economic zone includes Da Nang City, the provinces of Thua Thien-Hue, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai and Binh Dinh, which all play a vital role in development of the region, including the Tay Nguyen (Central Highlands).

Covering an area of nearly 28,000 sq.km with a population of more than 6.2 million, parts of the economic zone includes many cultural and historical sites of interest and beautiful natural landscapes.

It is estimated that the population by 2025 will reach 8.15 million, which will include more than 6 million people of working age. About 60,00-65,000 ha of land will be used for urbanisation by that time.

The Government envisions Da Nang City, Hue, Quy Nhon, Van Tuong City and Nui Thanh District as the main areas to attract foreign and domestic investment.

Da Nang will be the major business centre of the economic zone, with Hue city the major tourism centre. Quy Nhon city’s economy will also be developed.

Under the government’s plan, the economic zone will include four urban satellite areas with Da Nang City as the focal point. The zone will comprise a total of 86 urban areas by 2025, including 43 new ones.

To reduce the travel time between large local seaports and the entire country, a North-South sea route and another route linking international routes will be built.

Recent large projects in the zone include the Hue- Lang Co- Non Nuoc tourism complex and a high-quality training centre in Hue and Da Nang that will offer courses in tourism and other fields.

Source: VNS