Hai Phong (VNA)🐷 – Following the administrative mergence, Bach Long Vi Special Zone is taking on a new look, paving the way for strong momentum in development. With its strategic location and special preferential policies, it is gradually affirming its role as a maritime economic hub of the port city of Hai Phong.

A special zone at sea

Bach Long Vi is the farthest offshore island in Vietnam's Gulf of Tonkin. Standing as a symbol of resilience and permanence in open waters, the island plays a critical role in ensuring national defence and security, and economic development. According to Bui Trung Tien, Secretary of the Party Committee of Bach Long Vi Special Zone, in the 2025 - 2030 period, the island’s transition from a district to a special zone opens up new development opportunities while also presenting distinct and emerging challenges. The special zone holds a strategic position in terms of national defence and security as well as marine economic development. It is also one of the eight major fishing grounds in the Gulf of Tonkin. The island has received continued attention and support from the Party, State, and Hai Phong authorities through tailored development policies. With unity across the political system, the Party Organisation, administration, armed forces, and residents of the special zone are stepping into this new chapter with determination and optimism. Nevertheless, Bach Long Vi also faces considerable challenges. The global and regional political situation remain complicated and unpredictable, while hostile forces exploit issues of democracy, human rights, religion, and ethnicity to undermine national stability. Meanwhile, global economic growth and trade are being affected by strategic competition and armed conflicts. Harsh weather, climate change, rising sea levels, marine waste pollution, and declining marine resources, as well as the devastating effects of Typhoon Yagi, have posed serious long-term threats. Nguyen Thi Bich, former Vice Secretary of the Party Committee and former Chairwoman of the People’s Council of former Bach Long Vi district, expressed pride in witnessing the island's transformation into a special economic-administrative zone as of July 1, 2025 — a historic milestone signalling a strong shift in development. With its new status, Bach Long Vi can attract more investment, improve living standards for both civilians and military personnel, and implement projects that simultaneously support economic growth and national defence. Bich expressed her hope that this new status would receive greater attention from central and municipal authorities. She believed Bach Long Vi will mobilise resources, and encourage solidarity and confidence among islanders to remain steadfast in protecting the nation's sovereignty.

A pillar of sovereignty protection and a driver of economic development

Tien perceived the period from 2025 to 2030 as a pivotal moment for Bach Long Vi, transforming it from a remote island district into a central hub for the marine economy, defence and ecological sustainability in northern Vietnam. The zone is committed to strengthening the Party and political system, improving leadership effectiveness, promoting unity, and building a qualified contingent of cadres to meet future requirements. The Party Organisation, administration, and political system of Bach Long Vi view supporting fishermen and residents in offshore fishing and economic activities as both a goal and a driving force for development. The special zone aims to unlock its full potential by developing fishery logistics, search-and-rescue services, and marine tourism. Bach Long Vi is upgrading technical and social infrastructure, beginning with seaport facilities and anchorage zones for storm shelter. It is also increasing the frequency of transport between the island and the mainland to support socio-economic development and tourism. The special zone is committed to the sustainable and efficient use of natural resources, especially water and land, and to protecting the environment, preserving marine biodiversity, and adapting to climate change and rising sea levels. Bach Long Vi also prioritises cultural development, education, scientific and technological advancement, and healthcare. The island continues to uphold its principle of “social welfare ahead of economic development,” ensuring no one is left behind and continuously improving the quality of life. By integrating economic, social, environmental, and security priorities, the special zone contributes to safeguarding national sovereignty and ensuring safe living and working conditions for people and businesses. By 2030, Bach Long Vi aims to achieve a total economic output of approximately 502.73 billion VND (nearly 19.2 million USD), with an average annual growth rate of 4.76%. The economic structure is expected to shift towards services and trade, along with industry and construction, as well as agriculture and fisheries. The special zone is projected to attract 20,000 visitors in 2030, and health insurance coverage is anticipated to remain at 100%.“Bach Long Vi is no longer just a sovereignty marker in the middle of the sea, it is now a symbol of Hai Phong’s aspirations to reach further into the ocean,” Tien said. "As a special zone, the island is transforming from a defensive outpost into a dynamic engine for comprehensive development in the marine economy, national defence, and ecosystem preservation. The future of Bach Long Vi lies in harmonising sovereignty protection with the sustainable exploitation of marine potential,” he underscored./.