President: island needs to address infrastructure issues

The president was visiting the island district 133km from the northern city of Haiphong on July 21 to review socio-economic development and defence.

He said that the district played an important role on defence, seafood processing, fishing logistics and search and rescue operations for northern and central coastal regions.

The president said that given its limited budget, the province should focus on investment to avoid wasting money on petty projects and invite more private financial sources into developments.

He also urged local authorities to prepare to receive foreign fishermen who needed to shelter from storms.

The president also visited local Regiment 952, the Radar Station, Bach Long Vi Sea Border Station and the local Volunteer Youth Group.

He praised the staff and soldiers for overcoming difficulties to protect the island.

Noting the complicated situation in the region and the sea, Sang asked local staff and soldiers to closely work together and be prepared to act in any circumstances.

He requested them to tell local fishermen to fish only in Vietnamese waters as well as following international law.

Bach Long Vi Island District lies in the Bac Bo (Tonkin) Gulf. It takes about six to eight hours to reach by ship.

Founded in 1993, the district is one of the eight biggest fishing grounds in the gulf. It is home to nearly 500 residents and hundreds of fishing boats.

The district's growth rate averages 12% annually. Per capita income of residents has reached about VND40 million (US$1,900).

In Haiphong City, the president urged the High Command of Military Zone 3 to work closely with other forces to protect the country's sovereignty.

Later in the day, the President visited the LG Electronics Vietnam, the GE Company and the military-run Hong Ha Shipbuilding Company.