Central Vietnam province approves conversion of production forest land for Sun Group's $254 mln urban project

Authorities of Quang Ngai province have approved the conversion of nearly 83 hectares of production forest land for the development of an urban area project backed by real estate giant Sun Group.

The decision, passed on Friday, clears the way for the construction of Mang Den urban area No.1, which is estimated to cost VND6.7 trillion ($254.17 million). The land earmarked for conversion spans 82.88 hectares of planted forest located in subzones 487 and 488, currently managed by local forestry authorities and the Mang Den commune administration.

Mang Den is located in the former Highlands province of Kon Tum, which is now part of Quang Ngai following an administrative merger last July.

The project is expected to be implemented over roughly 105 months and designed as an integrated urban area aligned with the ecological landscape of Mang Den, a fast-emerging tourism destination.

The approval follows earlier steps taken in February, when provincial authorities signed agreements with investors for three urban developments in the area, signaling a broader push to urbanize and diversify the region’s economic base.

In addition to the Mang Den urban area No.1, two larger projects are also in the pipeline. Urban area No.4, with an investment of about VND10.4 trillion ($394.54 million), will be co-developed by Nam Viet Infrastructure Management Co. and Star Phu Quoc Real Estate Management Co., covering more than 247 hectares. Meanwhile, Urban Area No.5, spanning nearly 277 hectares and costing over VND9.7 trillion ($367.98 million), will be carried out by Nam Viet.

Authorities expect the projects to reshape Mang Den into a modern urban cluster with diversified real estate offerings, while maintaining its ecological appeal. The developments are also seen as key to improving regional connectivity and attracting further private investment into the province.