Authorities in Khanh Hoa province in south-central Vietnam have approved plans for four subdivisions in the Van Phong Economic Zone in Van Ninh district with a total area of nearly 29,000 hectares.
The provincial People's Committee said on Thursday that the first subdivision will be on the Hon Lon island eco-tourism area in Van Thanh commune, which spans about 10,000 hectares, including 4,929 hectares of land and 5,071 hectares of sea.
This subdivision will feature a hi-end eco-tourism and resort area, a thematic park, and an entertainment area. It is expected to house about 8,000 people.
The second is Khai Luong mountain tourist area covering 4,015 hectares in Van Thanh commune, including 1,865 hectares of land and 2,150 hectares of sea.
It will feature an eco-tourism and resort area, with an estimated population of about 5,000.
The third is the 8,276-hectare Dam Mon urban and port center in Van Thanh commune, which will accommodate 29,000 people, including 17,000 permanent residents.
Covering 4,445 hectares of land and 3,831 hectares of sea, it is expected to house an urban and service area, an eco-tourism and resort area, and an international seaport.
The fourth is the Co Ma-Tu Bong tourist and urban area covering 6,631 hectares in six communes of Van Ninh district, including 5,386 hectares of land and 1,245 hectares of sea.
It is adjacent to the airport, meeting the needs of high-class multi-functional development, trade, research, and airport, seaplane and tourism services. Its population is estimated at 122,000, including 107,200 permanent residents.
Of the four subdivisions, two are expected to have 2,169 hectares of sea encroachment area. Of which, 616 hectares are for Dam Mon urban and port center and 1,553 hectares for Co Ma-Tu Bong tourist and urban area.
Van Phong is one of three key economic zones in Khanh Hoa province. According to the master plan of the Khanh Hoa People's Committee, the 150,000-hectare zone plays a leading role in attracting investment and is a driving force for the economic development of neighboring regions and the whole country.
Khanh Hoa plans to attract billions of U.S. dollars into 27 major projects in the Van Phong EZ during the 2023-2024 period.
As of October 2022, the EZ had attracted 155 projects with total registered capital of $4.1 billion, including 30 foreign-invested ones, according to its management board. Disbursed investment capital reached $2.5 billion, with 97 operational projects.
In late March, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh approved adjustments to the general plan for the Van Phong EZ to 2040 with a vision to 2050, under which it will be developed into a sea-based economic hub country with seaports, urban areas, an airport, and casinos.
It will have 19 subdivisions covering a total area of 75,166 hectares with zones designated for development of seaports, logistics services, urban areas, and resorts.