Economic Restructuring Accelerated

After 20 years of Doi Moi (Renovation), overcoming difficulties and developing advantages, Ninh Thuan has created a new image: dynamic, modern and prosperous.

Ninh Thuan is located in the Southern coastal area of Central Vietnam, separated from Thuan Hai province and officially re-established on April 1, 1992 when the conditions were very difficult with a low-based economy and poor technical infrastructure. However, with joint efforts, Ninh Thuan authorities and people have recorded brilliant achievements in socio-economic development. Economic potential, especially in maritime sectors, tourism, clean energy and urbanization have been developed ever effectively. Those advantages will continue to help the province achieve its development plans in the years to come.

 

The average GDP growth rate of the province in 1992-2011 was 8.4 percent a year (10.7 percent in 2006-2010). GDP per capita in 2011 was VND16.3 million, or 11.9 times that of 1992. The economic structure is being transformed with agriculture-forestry-aquaculture decreasing from 54.8 percent in 1992 to 43.1 percent in 2011; while industry-construction increasing from 15.8 percent to 21.9 percent and service from 29.4 percent to 35 percent. Export value in 2011 was US$72 million, 43 times that of 1992.

 

Agriculture-forestry developed with annual growth of 5.5 percent (9.5 percent in 2006-2010, and 7.4 percent in 2011).    Aquaculture increased on average of 11.5 percent a year (7.2 percent in 2011), with the largest centre breeding fish species in An Hai and offshore fishing increasingly developed in conjunction with national security and defence. By the end of 2011, Ninh Thuan had 2,584 fishing boats, 1.42 times that of 2005 and 2.5 times of 1992; sea product output increased 1.3 times from 2005, or 4.6 times over 1992.

 

Regarding industry-construction, production value increased 14.2 percent a year, with industrial value in 2011 of VND1,705 billion, or 12.4 times that of 1992. The province has developed some industries of high competitiveness such as salt, processing of agriculture-forestry-aquaculture products, building materials, granite, and titanium (60,000 tonnes/year). In particular, wind and solar power projects are under construction, with 14 wind power projects including 6 projects of 500MW capacity, and a solar power project of 282MW. As a result, Ninh Thuan will take the lead in developing clean energy in Vietnam. The province is also preparing for the construction of two nuclear power stations, the first of their kind in Vietnam, with ground breaking in 2014 as decided by the National Assembly and government. The project will contribute to national energy security in the future. Investment has also been made to Phase 1 of the construction of two key industrial zones of 800 hectares, adding to Ca Na Industrial Zone of 1,000 hectares and attracting more local and foreign investment to the province.

 

Progress has also been made in the service-tourism sector, especially culture and sea-based tourism. Planning is under way to develop five sea-based tourism centres, two eco-tourism centres and Poklong Grai Tower. Tourism will be the driving force behind socio-economic development of the province. The central government has also decided to make Ninh Thuan a key tourist centre, mainly for culture and sea-based tourism.

 

With the planning and projects, the province has mobilized investment capital of over VND17,700 billion in 2006-2010, 3.5 times that of 2001-2005 and 14 times 1991-2000. Many projects have been completed and are operating, attracting more investments from all economic sectors with a growth rate of 8.7 times in capital in 2006-2010 and 7.7 times in projects in 2001-2005. Investments have also been mobilized for infrastructure development, especially in key areas and 116 km of coastal roads with over VND4,200 billion, to be completed by 2013.

 

Alongside with economic development, cultural life and social welfare have also been upgraded. The household poverty rate has been reduced from 21.29 percent in 2006 to 11.05 percent in 2010 (by 2005 poverty line) with an average reduction of 2 percent a year and without famine.

 

Regarding education and training, schools and education quality have been upgraded to meet the demand of local people. Healthcare has been improved with dispensaries in 100 percent of communes, and 60 percent meeting national standards (12.9 percent in 2005), and 60 percent of communes with physicians ensuring regular health checks and treatment.

 

With its self-reliant and creative implementation of State policy, Ninh Thuan people and authorities are determined to overcome all difficulties and restructure the economy toward industrialization and modernization to create a bright spot of Central Vietnam and the country as a whole.