According to the project to rearrange commune-level administrative units, Hai Phong plans to reorganize 167 existing units to form 50 new administrative units, including 24 wards, 24 communes and 2 special zones.

In particular, Cat Hai special zone is proposed to be established on the basis of maintaining the entire current Cat Hai district, including 10 communes and 2 towns, with a natural area of ​​286.98 km² and a population of about 71,211 people. The administrative headquarters is expected to be located at the current headquarters of Cat Hai district People’s Committee.

Cat Hai holds a strategic position in protecting the sovereignty of the sea and islands and ensuring national security. In particular, Long Chau archipelago, about 50km from the mainland, is an important frontline of defense, while Cat Ba archipelago is both a world biosphere reserve (recognized by UNESCO in 2004) and a world natural heritage (along with Ha Long Bay in 2023), standing out with its rich ecosystem, pristine beaches and great potential for tourism development.

Cat Hai Special Economic Zone is proposed to be established on the basis of keeping the entire current Cat Hai district intact (Photo: Internet)

 

The establishment of Cat Hai special economic zone not only comes with preferential policies but also contributes to streamlining the administrative apparatus, improving management efficiency and creating a strong driving force for socio-economic development. Converting Cat Hai island district into a special economic zone is expected to promote the marine economy, expand tourism, improve people’s lives and turn this place into a bright spot in economic and defense development of Hai Phong as well as the whole country.

At the same time, Hai Phong also plans to establish Bach Long Vi special zone by maintaining the status quo of the island district of the same name, with an area of ​​3.07 km² and a population of about 686 people. The headquarters of the special zone is expected to be located at the current location of Bach Long Vi District People’s Committee.

Bach Long Vi Island (Photo: Internet)

 

The transformation of Bach Long Vi into a special economic zone is a strategic move to maximize the potential and special position of the island located farthest from the Gulf of Tonkin, about 110 km from the mainland. The island plays a key role in protecting sovereignty and national security at sea. However, with a small population and difficult living conditions due to lack of fresh water, electricity and infrastructure, upgrading to a special economic zone will create conditions for investment in essential projects such as water supply, renewable energy, health care, education and transportation, thereby improving the quality of life and attracting people to the island to live long-term, strengthening Vietnam’s sustainable presence at sea.

This policy is also consistent with the development orientation according to Resolution 36-NQ/TW dated October 22, 2018 of the Central Executive Committee on the strategy for sustainable development of Vietnam’s marine economy to 2030, with a vision to 2045, and Resolution 45-NQ/TW dated January 24, 2019 of the Politburo on the construction and development of Hai Phong City. The establishment of Bach Long Vi special economic zone contributes to realizing the goal of turning this outpost island into a strong economic - defense center, affirming the sacred sovereignty of the sea and islands of the Fatherland.