Party General Secretary To Lam visits and works at Tho Chau special zone, An Giang province. Photo: Van Si/VNA

Tho Chau, which includes 8 islands and spans 13.98 km2, has an important strategic position as the south-westernmost outpost of the country. It’s 110km from Phu Quoc special zone and 220km from An Giang province's administrative center.  

Secretary General Lam said Tho Chau not only brings economic benefits but first of all, it has a national defense strategic value. To develop Tho Chau sustainably and improve people's lives, An Giang province needs to coordinate with the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Public Security and relevant agencies to build a sustainable development plan for Tho Chau Special Zone coupled with ensuring national defense and security.

He stressed support for Tho Chau to conduct feasibility studies for stable residential housing, upgrade of transport infrastructure, water supply projects, and power and telecoms solutions, while population growth is a long-term strategic pillar of sustainable maritime and island development.

The locality needs to focus on smooth operation of the 2-tier local government, build a large-scale seafood purchasing and processing production and service area, study high-tech marine farming, modern fishing logistics, attract investment, and develop eco-tourism and spiritual tourism, Mr. Lam added. 

The General Secretary noted that sustainable development is the goal and task of the government and people of Tho Chau Special Zone.