Pilot free trade zone: Why does Da Nang want to reclaim the sea?

Da Nang is piloting many policies for 5 years, including the establishment of a free trade zone. In such a short period of time, why is there a proposal to reclaim the sea?

In the proposal of 10 locations to form functional subdivisions of the free trade zone, there is a proposal for a 300ha sea encroachment location on Da Nang Bay - Photo drawn by Al

Da Nang has completed and submitted to the Government for comments on the project to establish a free trade zone associated with Lien Chieu seaport. The proposal includes 10 locations including a sea encroachment area of ​​up to 300 hectares.

While Resolution 136 allows Da Nang to pilot many policies within 5 years, why does Da Nang still propose locations to reclaim the sea?

At the fourth quarter press conference on December 20, Da Nang city leaders further explained the proposal to reclaim land from the sea to create a free trade zone.

According to Mr. Tran Chi Cuong, Vice Chairman of Da Nang City People's Committee, this is the first time in our country that a free trade zone has been allowed to be established.

During the 5-year pilot period, on that basis, research and perfect the policy mechanism to be able to deploy more deeply and widely in other localities. It could be in localities that have previously proposed such as Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Hai Phong, Ho Chi Minh City...

"We are allowed to pilot, but it does not mean that once the pilot is finished, it must stop. Resolution 136 clearly states that if the pilot project is still unfinished after the pilot is completed, it can continue to be implemented.

"The spirit of Da Nang is not only to pilot, but after this period, to form, complete and develop a free trade zone," said Mr. Cuong.

Mr. Tran Chi Cuong, Vice Chairman of Da Nang City People's Committee shared at the press conference - Photo: TRUONG TRUNG

Mr. Cuong said that the implementation of Resolution 136 will have many preliminary reviews and assessments for adjustment. Da Nang's goal is to soon form, develop and effectively exploit the free trade zone, not to close it after the pilot is over.

During the research process, Da Nang planned and identified many locations for the project. Experts also proposed many locations including land reclamation to create more space for the development of free trade zones.

Based on research and expert advice, Da Nang has noted and included this content in the project.

"Include the content of sea encroachment in the project to request the central government's approval. When the Prime Minister approves the project, if allowed, research will be conducted to form a sea encroachment area.

If the Prime Minister approves the policy, we will continue to organize procedures, research, and seminars related to sea encroachment to assess the possibility of forming a sea encroachment area," said Mr. Cuong.

Mr. Cuong said that Da Nang did not immediately establish a sea encroachment area during the 5-year pilot phase of the free trade zone project. Therefore, people should not worry about ignoring environmental impacts when implementing the project.

Da Nang Bay, where there is a proposal to reclaim the sea, seen from Hai Van Quan - Photo: TRUONG TRUNG

Land reclamation is a long-term matter.

Mr. Cuong said that people's concern and worry about sea encroachment is very legitimate. However, the policy of researching sea encroachment is to prepare for the next stages. It is possible that after 2040, when this model has been successful and has all the necessary factors, especially in terms of science and technology, then it will be implemented.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/thi-diem-khu-thuong-mai-tu-do-5-nam-vi-sao-da-nang-muon-lan-bien-20241220133013992.htm