According to the Ninh Binh Provincial Planning for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision to 2050, recently approved by the Prime Minister, Ninh Binh province identifies cultural and tourism industries as spearheads.

The province aims to become a centrally-governed city by 2035, with the characteristics of a millennium heritage city and a creative city.

At the working session between Ninh Binh provincial leaders and the Global Vietnamese Science and Expert Organization (AVSE Global) last weekend, Ninh Binh Provincial Party Secretary Doan Minh Huan affirmed that with the orientation and viewpoint of development in the direction of "Green, sustainable, harmonious", Ninh Binh province focuses on 4 "transformations": heritage assetization, heritage museumization, heritage film studioization and heritage parkization; transforming from agricultural economic integration to deep economic integration.

Ninh Binh 1.jpg
Mr. Doan Minh Huan, Secretary of Ninh Binh Provincial Party Committee, delivered the opening speech at the conference. Photo: THNB.

Mr. Doan Minh Huan said that Ninh Binh's distinct advantage compared to 62 provinces and cities across the country is that the province has a close and harmonious combination of cultural heritage and natural heritage recognized by UNESCO. This is also the only locality in Southeast Asia honored by UNESCO in both the fields of natural and cultural heritage.

However, the Secretary of Ninh Binh province pointed out the current situation, the locality has only exploited raw products but lacks refined products, such as combining cultural and tourism elements with science and technology to create a unique identity for Ninh Binh tourism.

“Because there is no creative cultural industry, Ninh Binh has long developed around tourism, not the creative cultural industry. The province identifies the top resource as heritage resources, including natural heritage and cultural heritage, but to transform it into a heritage economy, science and technology must be applied to restore the culture of the ancient capital,” said Mr. Huan.

At the meeting, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Duc Khuong, Chairman of AVSE Global, said that the strengths of geographical location, natural resources, and cultural history will be a solid foundation for Ninh Binh to enter a new cycle of rapid, sustainable, and responsible development; a modern, magnificent, friendly city in harmony with nature.

Experts and scientists also shared and suggested orientations and development trends according to green space planning and circular economic development; recommended issues related to planning buildings, smart infrastructure, information technology application and ensuring network safety and security.

z5740656463039_c5296a9102a7cee0684fce80ec7e4589_19081517082024.jpg
Prof. Dr. Nguyen Duc Khuong, Chairman of AVSE Global. Photo: THNB.

Associate Professor, Dr. Dinh Thanh Huong, Executive Director of Knowledge and Projects at AVSE Global, and Director of French Finance, Financial Services and Investment, BNP Paris Bank, proposed a development strategy for Ninh Binh in the coming time based on the word "DINH", a popular family name in Ninh Binh (the Dinh family).

These are 4 factors including D ( Digitalization ), I ( Innovation ), N ( Nature & Heritage) and H ( Human ).

With the orientation of becoming a global city, experts recommend that Ninh Binh should pay special attention to exploiting cultural and natural values ​​in the direction of focusing on quality, iconic works and projects.

Along with that, build standards to reduce carbon emissions, develop Net Zero tourism and build the province into a center for organizing domestic and international events, becoming a place for cultural exchange not only in Vietnam but also in the world.

“Ninh Binh’s tourism development cannot rely on capital because it cannot compete with the world. It can only rely on what the province has plus factors of innovation and people. Vietnam has a national tourism brand, but the local touchpoints are few so it cannot retain tourists. Life heritage is the factor that attracts tourists,” said Ms. Pham Minh Huong, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of VnDirect Securities Joint Stock Company.

Experts also emphasized that in the future, Ninh Binh needs a high-quality Internet network covering the entire city; an online public administration management system; and upgrading electronic information portals and mobile applications.

In addition, it is necessary to develop smart tourism, apply virtual reality and augmented reality technology; apply blockchain in tracing the origin of agricultural products; creative startup ecosystem. Link with biodiversity; preserve and develop natural heritage; connect the community and raise awareness, international cooperation.