On 28 June 2024, at the seventh session of the 15th National Assembly, Resolution No. 139/2024/QH15 on the National marine spatial planning for the period of 2021-2030, with a vision towards 2050, was approved.

Article 4 on Marine spatial use zoning stipulates that with regard to coastal land and islands and archipelagos, spatial use zoning shall be consistent with the National land use planning and the National master plan according to 04 socio-economic regions, including coastal land in the Northern region; the North Central and Central Coast region; the Southeast region; the Southwestern region and islands and archipelagos. Marine sectors and fields in coastal provinces and central-affiliated cities shall be developed according to national sector planning, regional planning, provincial planning, and technical planning and specialised planning, including the establishment of coastal economic zones and free trade zones in favourable places.

An image of the Cai Lan International Container Terminal (Photo; quangninh.gov.vn)

The spatial use zoning of coastal land and islands/archipelagos is of strategic importance as it clearly identifies priority areas for marine economic development and areas for national defence and security. This not only demonstrates the strategic policy of efficiently utilising marine resources for economic development but also gradually strengthens national defence capabilities, forms a solid defence posture, ensures national sovereignty and security at sea, and creates a foundation for sustainable development and enhances the overall strength of the country.

The National Defence Journal would like to provide some main information on key aspects regarding the orientation for developments in coastal lands, islands and archipelagos as follows:

1. Coastal land in the Northern region

- Develop Hai Phong - Quang Ninh area into an international marine economic centre with a leading position in ASEAN and the Hai Phong - Quang Ninh seaport area which is the centre, and the Northeast region (Do Son - Cat Ba - Ha Long Bay - Bai Tu Long Bay - Van Don - Co To and other coastal zones if possible) into an international resort, entertainment, sea and island natural heritage tourism centre. Improve inland waterways and coastal routes of Van Gia - Ka Long - Hai Phong area. Focus on the development of the marine economy in the Thai Binh - Nam Dinh - Ninh Binh area. Completely build infrastructure of coastal economic zones and industrial parks, and promote dominant roles of coastal economic zones connected with coastal urban centers. Research and develop renewable energy and gas power in conformity with natural conditions and advantages of the region.

- Develop aquaculture and fisheries using modern technology, while strengthening the protection and regeneration of resources; continue to build the Hai Phong - Quang Ninh region into a major marine aquaculture centre and a large fishing centre. Restore and conserve marine ecosystems, protect fisheries resources, proactively respond to climate change and sea level rise; strengthen regional linkages in resource exploitation and utilisation, conservation, and protection of biodiversity, especially in national and internationally recognised nature reserves and natural heritage sites. Promote the application of science and technology and the training of marine human resources, developing Hai Phong into an international centre for training, research, and application of marine science and technology of the country.

(To be continued)

Pham Binh