Marine Economy – A New Development Space for Lam Dong
From rare natural advantages to clear strategic orientations, the marine economy is gradually opening up a new development space for Lam Dong in the coming period. Identifying key sectors and prioritizing focused, effective investment reflects the province’s strong determination to transform the sea into a major driver of economic growth.
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The Resolution of the Lam Dong Provincial Party Congress for the 2025–2030 term identifies the prioritization of marine economic spatial planning, alongside the development of new marine economic sectors associated with protecting national maritime sovereignty and conserving marine ecosystems. These objectives can soon become reality if existing potential and advantages are effectively unlocked.
Lam Dong’s Expanding Coastline Opens Major Opportunities
After administrative restructuring, Lam Dong now has a coastline stretching 192 kilometers, with approximately 760 square kilometers of coastal land. The province is also assessed as one of the country’s three key fishing grounds for marine resource exploitation. This represents a significant advantage that Lam Dong did not previously possess.
Among the marine economic advantages Lam Dong currently holds, the maritime economy stands out first. At present, sea transport and port services in the province are receiving sustained investment. Initial successes have been achieved through the operation of Phu Quy and Phan Thiet Ports, which serve passenger transport routes between the mainland and Phu Quy Island.
Furthermore, Vinh Tan Port has facilitated the transportation of ash, slag, and other materials for the Vinh Tan Thermal Power Plants. Coastal infrastructure — including roads, electricity, water supply, and telecommunications — has been significantly improved, contributing to better living standards for local residents.
Strong Potential in Fisheries and Aquaculture
Alongside maritime services, Lam Dong possesses substantial potential in marine resource exploitation and aquaculture. According to the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Lam Dong, the province has approximately 6,964 hectares dedicated to aquaculture. Annual seafood output ranks among the top five provinces nationwide.
Lam Dong has invested in large-capacity fishing vessels for offshore operations and developed shrimp seed production, accounting for over 25% of national output.
Aquaculture enterprises have adopted advanced quality management systems such as HACCP and ISO, while building integrated value chains from exploitation to processing and product consumption.
On average, the fisheries sector contributes around 6.8% of the province’s GRDP each year.
Expanding Marine Industries and Renewable Energy
Beyond fisheries, Lam Dong’s “blue economy” is also expanding into mineral extraction, large-scale port construction, logistics, and renewable energy. In recent years, the province has invested in coastal energy industries such as hydropower, coal-fired thermal power, diesel power, wind power, and solar power.
Notably, offshore oil and gas fields such as Rang Dong, Ruby, and Su Tu Den (Black Lion) have been efficiently exploited. Combined with coastal mineral processing, these activities contribute significantly to export turnover. Vinh Tan International Port, operational since 2019, has enhanced cargo transportation capacity, attracted investment, strengthened regional and international connectivity, and created employment opportunities.
To date, Lam Dong has 104 power generation projects with a total installed capacity of 8,242 MW, placing it among the leading localities nationwide. Key projects such as Son My I BOT Power Plant, Son My II Power Plant, Son My LNG Terminal, and offshore wind power clusters are being actively supported by the province in line with national energy planning and development orientations.
Marine Tourism Gaining Strong Momentum
Marine tourism and related services are also developing rapidly, becoming attractive destinations for both domestic and international visitors. With a 192-kilometer coastline, Lam Dong boasts numerous bays, beaches, and marine conservation areas such as Phu Quy Island, Cu Lao Cau, Mui Ne – Hon Rom, and Ham Tien Beach. Among these, Mui Ne – Phan Thiet is widely recognized as the country’s “resort capital.”
Tourist arrivals to Lam Dong have grown by nearly 11% annually, while tourism revenue has increased by 24.78% per year, creating jobs for local workers. Tourism development has also stimulated consumption of agricultural, forestry, and seafood products, as well as related industries.
All these potentials, advantages, and economic values generated by the marine economy have increasingly affirmed the sea’s important role in socio-economic development, improving people’s livelihoods, and ensuring national defense and security in Lam Dong.
Strategic Orientation for Sustainable Marine Economic Development
Assessing the potential and advantages of the marine economy, Ho Van Muoi, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Lam Dong Provincial People’s Committee, stated:
“Lam Dong’s coastal land resources are immense. We are very proud of the province’s marine economic potential, including marine resources, tourism, seaports, logistics, renewable energy, and green energy. If fully leveraged, these sectors will become key pillars contributing to Lam Dong’s GRDP.”
The Provincial Chairman also acknowledged that many projects — especially non-budget-funded ones — are still facing difficulties. Numerous projects remain unfinished, suspended, or yet to become operational. Lam Dong is currently focusing on resolving land clearance bottlenecks in coastal projects, clearly identifying which projects fall under central authority, provincial authority, or require coordination between both levels, with strong determination to address these issues.
Priority Sectors: Fisheries and Renewable Energy
Discussing the orientation for marine economic development, Le Trong Yen, Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee and Standing Vice Chairman of the Lam Dong Provincial People’s Committee, emphasized that the province has identified “marine resource exploitation – aquaculture – seafood processing” and “renewable energy” as two of the six priority marine economic sectors.
In the fisheries sector, Lam Dong is focusing on sustainable development, closely linked with efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
The province is proactively restructuring fishing activities based on resource capacity, gradually reducing nearshore fishing vessels, resolutely eliminating non-compliant vessels and banned fishing practices. Lam Dong will implement the Marine Aquaculture Development Plan to 2030, with a vision to 2045, oriented toward industrial-scale farming, applying science, technology, and digital transformation.
“Lam Dong is investing synchronously in infrastructure serving fishing activities and fisheries logistics, gradually building Phu Quy Island into a regional fisheries hub. The protection of marine resources and the environment will be implemented regularly and rigorously,” Vice Chairman Le Trong Yen stressed.
Renewable Energy as a Long-Term Growth Driver
In the renewable energy sector, Lam Dong will prioritize the development of offshore wind power, solar power, and new energy sources such as hydrogen and green ammonia. The province considers these as long-term drivers for both marine economy and overall economic development.
Lam Dong will also focus on improving the investment environment and removing obstacles for businesses, particularly in energy-supporting industries, aiming to increase equipment localization rates and move toward a self-reliant and sustainable energy industry.
With comprehensive solutions and strong efforts already underway and continuing in the future, Lam Dong’s marine economy is expected to soon become a breakthrough driving force in the province’s overall economic development.
Content & Photos: Nguyen Luong – Thanh Nhan
Layout: Hoang Anh