Decision No. 34/2009/QD-TTg Approves the Master Plan for the Development of the North Gulf Coastal Economic Belt until 2020

 Pursuant to …;

APPROVING THE PLAN FOR DEVELOPMENT OF THE COASTAL ECONOMIC BELT ALONG THE BAY OF NORTHERN VIETNAM UNTIL 2020

PRIME MINISTER

Pursuant to the Law on Organization of the Government dated December 25, 2001;
Considering the proposal of the Ministry of Planning and Investment at the report No. 4332/TTr-BKH dated June 17, 2008; opinions of relevant ministries, sectors, and localities on the Plan for Development of the Coastal Economic Belt along the Bay of Northern Vietnam until 2020,

DECISION:

Article 1. Approve the Plan for Development of the Coastal Economic Belt along the Bay of Northern Vietnam until 2020 with the main contents as follows:

I. SCOPE OF THE COASTAL ECONOMIC BELT ALONG THE BAY OF NORTHERN VIETNAM

The coastal economic belt along the Bay of Northern Vietnam within the territory of Vietnam includes two provinces and city where the economic belt passes through, namely Quang Ninh and Hai Phong, with a natural area of 7,418.8 km² and a population of nearly 2.9 million people, accounting for 2.24% of the country's natural area and 3.44% of the national population.

II. DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES

1. General objectives

Develop the Coastal Economic Belt along the Bay of Northern Vietnam into a dynamic economic zone that can drive the entire Northern region and become a driving force for economic cooperation and development, science and technology with China and ASEAN countries, while connecting with other coastal areas nationwide to form a rapidly developing coastal economic belt, promoting and linking with other regions inside the country for joint development.

2. MAIN OBJECTIVES

- Complete the transportation system within the economic belt, especially the main coastal route from Mong Cai to Do Son and various seaports, airports... to connect with the two economic corridors Vietnam-China and the coastal area of South China belonging to the economic belt, creating conditions for expanding trade and cooperation with China and ASEAN in a proactive and effective manner.

- Focus on developing the driving force region and central cities along the economic belt to create a breakthrough to promote rapid and sustainable development of the entire economic belt, commensurate with the southern coastal area of China.

- Form and develop some key industries, including: high-end marine and island tourism, shipbuilding, thermal power, mining, machinery manufacturing, construction materials production, petrochemicals, aquaculture and seafood processing... reaching advanced levels in the region.

- The economic growth rate is 1.4 to 1.5 times higher than the national GDP growth rate. By 2020, the Coastal Economic Belt along the Bay of Northern Vietnam will contribute approximately 6.5 to 7.0% to the total national GDP; the average GDP per capita will reach 3,500 to 4,000 USD.

III. ORGANIZATIONAL DIRECTION OF THE ECONOMIC BELT

1. Completing the core transportation axis

Focus on completing and modernizing the coastal transportation axis from Mong Cai to Ha Long to Hai Phong to Ninh Binh, creating convenient and smooth traffic conditions between Vietnam and the southern provinces of China through the economic belt. During the period 2009-2010, invest in upgrading the Cam Pha-Mong Cai section to class III inland road standard and 4-6 lane road scale across Cai Bau Island (along with building the Van Tien Bridge) connecting to the Ha Long-Mong Cai expressway. Implement the construction of several important expressways: Hanoi-Hai Phong, Noi Bai-Ha Long to be put into use before 2015. After 2015, continue constructing the Ha Long-Mong Cai section. Consider the construction of the Quang Ninh-Hai Phong-Ninh Binh expressway to connect Quang Ninh with Hai Phong and link the economic belt with southern provinces, the national expressway network, and the southern coastal expressway of China.

2. Developing the driving force region

Focus on rapidly developing some key economic zones and industrial parks, linked with major cities to form a strip of driving force regions and key areas with breakthrough characteristics along the economic belt.

a) Develop the Van Don Economic Zone (Quang Ninh) with the main function being a high-quality marine and island eco-tourism zone, a high-end service center, and an international trading hub according to the direction: focus on rapid development of eco-tourism, forming a high-quality marine and island eco-tourism center at regional and international level. Develop diverse types of tourism both on islands and at sea. Invest in building several high-end entertainment areas, including golf courses and recreational activities at Cai Bua Center and other islands. Develop clean industries and export-oriented industries. Build modern commercial centers serving tourism. Develop marine aquaculture for export combined with tourism. Develop agriculture towards farmsteads and high-tech agricultural zones. Protect and develop forests on islands to protect the environment, combined with sightseeing tourism;

Implement the construction of cross-island roads, around Cai Bua Island, and on important islands to meet the requirements for socio-economic development and ensure defense and security of the Economic Zone. Promote preparatory work for the construction of Van Don Airport after 2010. Construct Van Hoa Port; renovate Cai Rong Port into a passenger port serving tourism. Invest in completing boat docks on Quan Lan, Minh Chau, Ngoc Vung, Ban Sen Islands... to serve tourism. Plan and rearrange residential areas; build a modern central town at Cai Bua with regional and international standards.

b) Develop the Dinh Vu-Cat Hai Economic Zone (Hai Phong) into one of the modern economic trading centers of the Northern Region and the whole country, and also the main gateway to the sea for two economic corridors and one economic belt. Encourage the development of industries and fields in the Economic Zone including: shipbuilding, thermal power; machinery, electronics, high-end consumer goods production; petrochemicals; port industry and related services; production of computer equipment, automation equipment; new material and high-tech material production; heavy equipment assembly and manufacturing; production of high-end plastics, detergents, cosmetics; processing of agriculture, forestry, fisheries products; trade and services, import and export, tourism... Establish a tax-free zone with the most favorable policies. Build modern urban areas and public service zones in the Economic Zone;

Construct a synchronous infrastructure system within the Economic Zone; upgrade Haiphong Port, and build new ports in the Dien Vu area. Implement the construction of the international gateway port at Lach Huyen. Upgrade Cat Bi International Airport. Complete the road system within the Economic Zone, the roads leading to the ports, and the power supply, water supply, drainage systems... to meet the development requirements of the Economic Zone.

c) Develop the Ha Ha Industrial Zone (Quang Ninh) into an industrial center, a large sea port, attracting strong investment with functions: A large-scale heavy industry center for the Northern Region and the whole country; A port service and maritime transport center; simultaneously, a major gateway for the entire region, creating conditions for economic trade cooperation with China, exploiting the Chinese market, especially the Southern China region through this economic belt. In the short term, urgently form the industrial zone; implement the construction of external infrastructure facilities, particularly the sea port, shipbuilding factory, and main transportation axes (National Highway 18, National Highway 4B, expressway to Mong Cai); construct urban areas, related services, and some key industrial projects. By 2020, basically complete the construction of the Ha Ha Industrial Zone and Sea Port linked with the international border city of Mong Cai into an industrial center, sea port, financial center, and a large and modern free trade zone.

d) Develop the Dam Nam Mac Industrial-Services Zone (Quang Ninh) into a multi-functional industrial-services zone connected with Hai Phong City, Lach Huyen Port, and the Dien Vu area. From now until 2010, form the Dam Nam Mac Industrial-Services Zone. After 2010, implement the construction of the sea port and transportation axes connecting with Hai Phong, National Highway 18, and the city of Halong; construct some industrial projects, urban areas, administrative centers, service and commercial zones... After 2015, invest in building a bridge (or tunnel) across the Bach Dang River connecting with Dien Vu, a railway line connecting with the Yen Vien-Bai Chay railway, and a synchronized transportation system within the industrial zone. By 2025, basically complete the construction of this Industrial-Services Zone.

đ) Develop Hai Phong City into a large and modern port service and maritime transport center with significant status in the region and globally. The economy of Hai Phong consists of sea ports-industry-services. Focus on developing port industry, shipbuilding industry, machinery manufacturing, high-tech industry, production of high-end consumer goods and exports, food processing, tourism, and comprehensive services... Build a Trade Center, Vietnam-China International Fair and Exhibition as the main hub in economic trade cooperation between the two countries through two corridors and one economic belt. By 2020, build Hai Phong into a civilized and modern port city in the region with an urban population of 1.4 to 1.5 million people.

e) Develop Halong City into a development center for the Northern Key Economic Region, playing the role of one of the two central cities in the North Coast Economic Belt of the Gulf of Tonkin. Halong's development direction is to take tourism and services as the core to promote other industries and gradually reduce coal mining. First, focus on developing tourism strongly, building Halong into a modern national and international marine tourism and entertainment center. Coordinate with Chinese localities in the economic belt to invest in tourism infrastructure, especially high-end entertainment facilities and organize cross-border tours (both by land and water) through the economic belt. Develop the trade and service sector to become a major trading center in the economic belt. Develop industries and port services, linked with the construction of Ca Lan Port suitable in scale, ensuring environmental protection requirements for Halong Bay to develop tourism.

Construct a synchronized and gradually modernized urban infrastructure system, reform the economic structure in line with the functions of a tourism-service and port-industrial city. Continue expanding the city's scale, upgrading Halong to a Class I city by 2010 with a population of about 300,000 to 330,000 people, and reaching over 600,000 people by 2020, of which the urban population exceeds 500,000 people.

g) Build the international border city of Mong Cai, the starting point of the North Coast Economic Belt of the Gulf of Tonkin, therefore, urgently build Mong Cai into a modern international border city, a key hub for transactions and exchanges of goods and services between Vietnam and China; a large regional resort, entertainment, and leisure center; and a processing, manufacturing, and assembly export industry center.

Firstly, invest in upgrading National Highway 18A from Mong Duong to Mong Cai and extend it to Tra Co-Mui Ngoc to meet Class III plain standards. Construct the Mong Cai-Bac Phong Sinh-Hoanh Mo-Bac Cuong border road and the spine roads connecting to the hinterland. Construct an island road on Vinh Thuc Island for tourism purposes. Develop a synchronized transportation, power supply, and water supply and drainage system for the city. Invest in constructing Van Gia Port with a capacity of 3 to 5 million tons/year (initially around 1 million tons/year) to meet domestic and international cargo trade development requirements.

Develop processing industries for agricultural, forestry, and seafood products for export, industrial product processing for export to China, and assembly of components imported from China for export to ASEAN countries... Establish a modern commercial infrastructure system (including trade centers, supermarkets, transaction points, representative offices, international fair and exhibition centers...). Cooperate with China to build the Mong Cai Free Trade Zone under the "Bilateral Special Economic Zone" model with preferential policies for both sides to promote economic and trade cooperation activities between the two countries and open up and integrate more deeply with ASEAN countries.

IV. DEVELOPMENT DIRECTION FOR INDUSTRIES AND SECTORS

1. Development of Leading Industries in the Economic Belt

a) Industry

Prioritize the development of basic and key industries, high value-added industries, combined with the development of labor-intensive industries, striving to achieve an industrial growth rate of approximately 18-19%. By 2020, the North Central Coastal Economic Belt will have a large and modern industrial base in the region.

Prioritize resources and preferential policies for certain leading industries and products such as coal industry, thermal power, shipbuilding, machinery manufacturing, steel production, construction materials, oil and gas industry, electric motor production, wood processing, seafood processing, textile, footwear, export goods, high-end consumer goods... Synchronize the development of industry with the development of infrastructure in each locality.

- Regarding the coal industry: invest in modernizing technology at existing coal mining facilities, expanding underground mining scale. Strictly manage illegal coal extraction. From now until 2010 and subsequent years, implement the Coal Industry Development Strategy and Plan approved by the Prime Minister. Gradually reduce coal exports through planned management measures to protect resources while ensuring national energy security. Reasonably plan waste disposal sites, control and properly handle coal dust during transportation and processing;

- Regarding the power industry: accelerate the construction and operation of Uong Bi II Thermal Power Plant, Cam Pha I, II, Ha Khanh (Quang Ninh), Tam Hung (Haiphong) Thermal Power Plants. Develop Mạo Khê, Mong Duong, Thang Long Thermal Power Plants, Cai Lan Diesel Power Plant (Quang Ninh)... Promote the construction of a large thermal power center in Ha Ha Industrial Zone after 2010. Develop wind and solar energy usage in coastal rural areas and on islands. By 2010, the total installed capacity in the economic belt will reach 2,500-3,000 MW, and by 2020 it will exceed 6,000 MW;

- Regarding shipbuilding industry: concentrate resources to develop the shipbuilding industry strongly. By 2020, build the North Central Coastal Economic Belt into a major shipbuilding center in Vietnam, and one of the largest and most advanced maritime industry centers in the region and the world, capable of building new ships up to 200,000-250,000 DWT and various specialized ships such as oil tankers, containerships, engineering vessels, offshore oil exploration and production vessels, cruise ships, large fishing vessels, military vessels... meeting international standards;

Continue to upgrade and expand shipyards such as Pha Rung - Bach Dang, Ben Kien, Nam Trieu (Haiphong); complete the Cai Lan Shipbuilding Industrial Park, Halong Shipyard, Ha An Shipyard (Quang Ninh)... to meet 80-85% of the inland vessel repair needs in the Northern Region and 45-50% of the new and repair needs for sea-going vessels nationwide. After 2010, construct several large-scale shipyards and auxiliary industries in the Dinh Vu - Cat Hai Industrial Zone and Ha Ha Industrial Zones, Dam Nam Mac, Quang Vinh (Tien Lang)... Develop a comprehensive system of auxiliary industries for shipbuilding, gradually increasing domestic content;

- Regarding the steel industry: rapidly develop the steel production industry to meet the growing demand in the region, especially for shipbuilding. Continue to expand existing steel plants. Invest in building other steel production facilities, particularly billet casting plants, steel sheet production plants, high-quality steel production plants... Prioritize the construction of large-scale steel plants in the Dinh Vu - Cat Hai Industrial Zone and Ha Ha Industrial Zone to serve shipbuilding. By 2010, the steel production capacity in the economic belt will reach over 5 million tons/year, and by 2020 it will be around 15 million tons/year;

- Regarding the construction materials industry: rapidly develop the cement industry to become a leading sector. Renovate and upgrade existing production facilities to advanced levels to increase productivity, product quality, and environmental protection. Accelerate the construction of the second production line of Chinfon and Huong Duong Cement Plants to start operations before 2010. Continue to invest in building Cẩm Phả, Thang Long, Lam Thach Cement Plants (Quang Ninh)... By 2010, the total cement production capacity in the economic belt will reach 11-12 million tons/year. Rationally arrange stone, clay, sand production facilities to effectively exploit construction materials in the area while protecting the environment and scenic tourism;

- Regarding mechanical and manufacturing industry: develop the mechanical and manufacturing industry to become a strong mechanical center in the northern region. Selectively invest in building modern production facilities with advanced technology. Prioritize the development of mechanical industries serving shipbuilding, port industry, and mining industry. Develop machinery and equipment manufacturing, vehicle assembly, heavy equipment repair and assembly, heavy transport vehicles, lifting and handling equipment, construction machinery, equipment serving the cement, garment, and agricultural, forestry, and fishery processing industries... Prioritize the development of auxiliary products for new shipbuilding and ship repair industries;

- Other industries: expand traditional industries and product sectors with high demand in the area such as ship paint production, light powder, synthetic detergents, paraffin wax, batteries, packaging plastics, construction plastics, industrial plastics, electronics, refrigeration appliances... and other consumer goods. Develop the textile and leather shoe industry for export, prioritizing attracting textile and leather shoe projects into industrial clusters in counties to utilize rural labor. Develop agricultural and aquatic product processing industries, establish some modern processing facilities, produce high-quality products supplied to cities and tourist areas within the economic belt and for export. Prepare conditions to construct a petrochemical plant in the economic belt after 2010 (at the Dinh Vu - Cat Hai Economic Zone or Ha Ha Industrial Zone).

- Regarding the development of industrial zones: accelerate the construction progress of infrastructure in existing industrial zones to attract investment and increase the occupancy rate of these industrial zones. Develop new industrial clusters reasonably. It is expected that by 2020, the entire economic belt will have approximately 25 industrial zones with a total area of more than 22,100 hectares, of which nearly 10,000 hectares will be for industrial construction. In addition, develop other medium and small industrial clusters in the districts to promote the restructuring of labor and rural economy.

b) Tourism

Rapidly and sustainably develop the tourism industry of the economic belt, closely linking it with Hanoi and southern China. Organize tourist space rationally throughout the region. Selectively invest in some key tourist areas, forming large coastal and island tourist centers with national and international significance. Prioritize the development of marine and island tourism at remote islands such as Cô Tô, Bạch Long Vĩ... to both develop the economy and ensure defense and security.

Rapidly develop the Halong Tourist Area into a modern and high-class regional and world-class tourist center. Build and modernize tourist infrastructure comprehensively in the area. Prioritize attracting foreign investment in large-scale tourism projects to create high-end tourism products to attract tourists. Continue to upgrade and modernize the Đồ Sơn Resort and Entertainment Area; the high-end Cat Ba Island Ecotourism Area connected with the Halong Tourist Area.

Quickly implement the construction of essential infrastructure projects in the Van Don Economic Zone to attract investment in building a high-quality marine and island ecotourism area in Van Don - Bai Tu Long. Develop the Mong Cai - Tra Co - Vinh Thuc Tourist Area into a major tourist center, serving as an important gateway to attract visitors from southern China through this economic belt. Promote investment in constructing the Nam Halong Urban - Ecotourism - Cultural Area, gradually forming a modern tourism complex along the coast of Quang Ninh Province (from Hoàng Tân Island - Tu Chan Island - Halong Bay - Bai Tu Long - Van Don - Mong Cai - Tra Co) with regional and international scale.

Form inter-regional tourism routes connecting with Hanoi and nearby tourist sites. Strengthen cooperation with Chinese localities along two corridors and one economic belt to organize cross-border tourism routes. Coordinate with ASEAN countries to form transnational tourism routes. Vigorously promote tourism to attract investment and visitors. Strive to attract about 7.5 million visitors in 2010, including 2.8 to 3 million international visitors, and reach 18 to 20 million visitors in 2020, including 8 to 10 million international visitors.

c) Trade and Services

Fully exploit the comparative advantages of the North Central Coast Economic Belt to rapidly develop trade, focusing on exports, and gradually integrate firmly into the international market, especially the Chinese and ASEAN markets. Strive for an average annual growth rate of goods turnover and service revenue in the economic belt of 17 to 18% during the period 2008-2010 and over 20% during the period 2011-2020.

Develop a system of modern supermarkets and shopping centers in cities, towns, and industrial zones, economic zones. Construct a large and modern shopping center in Hai Phong, serving as a trading hub and main integration center for the entire northern region and two corridors, one economic belt. Invest in building a shopping center in Mong Cai, playing a role as the main gateway for trade between the economic belt and China and between Vietnam and China with ASEAN. Develop a system of supermarkets and shopping centers suitable in scale linked to tourist areas in Halong, Mong Cai, Van Don, Cat Ba, Do Son... and towns, district centers... Consolidate the trading network from provincial level to communes, forming a smooth market with convenient commodity circulation, promoting production development and meeting people's needs.

Vigorously promote exports, especially to China; reform the export product structure, plan the development of major export groups in line with China's import demands and the advantages of each locality. Increase deep-processed product exports, limit raw material exports. Minimize coal exports with domestic demand. Complete the Mong Cai Border Economic Zone, upgrade the Hoanh Mo and Bac Phong Sing border gates to expand trade between localities in the economic belt of the two countries.

Diversify export activities in place such as temporary imports, re-exports, transshipment, transit, agency, bonded warehouses, and other import and export services... Strive for an average export growth rate of 24 to 25% during the period 2009-2010 and over 25% during the period 2011-2020. Invest in building duty-free zones in border areas, economic zones, and tax-free shops in cities, large shopping centers, major tourist areas, airports, and key seaports to promote in-place exports.

Comprehensive development of various service industries towards diversifying service forms serving production and daily life. Prioritize the development of high-value-added service sectors such as transportation, financial banking, telecommunications, etc., making services truly a dynamic economic sector, creating many jobs and significant contributions to the economy. Enhance the operational capacity of banks in the area. Create favorable conditions to attract large domestic and foreign banks and finance companies to invest and open branches in Hai Phong, Halong, Mong Cai... Establish a large and modern financial center in Hai Phong with regional and international scale.

Promote the development of road, rail, waterway, and air transportation services. Fully exploit the advantage of "open door" to diversify port and maritime transport services. Establish high-speed transportation routes (both road and sea) to Chinese localities within the economic belt to meet the needs for goods exchange and travel, especially tourism. Develop high-speed maritime routes to southern provinces and high-speed maritime routes to islands to meet the travel needs of the people and promote island economic development.

Develop modern information and communication services to enhance the quality and competitiveness of various services, meeting international and regional integration requirements. Diversify other types of services to meet production and living needs.

2. Fisheries

Develop the fisheries industry towards large-scale commodity production with a strong focus on exports. Transform the fisheries production structure towards reducing the proportion of fishing, increasing the proportion of aquaculture and services; integrate production with processing and resource protection to ensure sustainable development. By 2010, the total fishery output in the economic belt will reach 220 thousand tons, and by 2020, it will reach approximately 400 thousand tons, including fishing at around 120 to 130 thousand tons; aquaculture at 270 to 280 thousand tons; seafood exports reaching from 600 to 700 million USD.

Vigorously develop distant-water fishing, particularly in the Bai Long Vi fishing ground and the central part of the Gulf fishing grounds, raising the proportion of distant-water fishing to 65-70%. Develop large fleets equipped with advanced technology, linked with infrastructure and service investments for distant-water fishing. Reorganize marine production according to a cooperative model, initially developing distant-water fishing teams by sector to support each other in production, product sales, and ensuring safety at sea. Rationally organize nearshore fishing to protect resources while ensuring the livelihoods of coastal residents. Transform the production structure in the Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay, and island areas, shifting from nearshore fishing to aquaculture and tourism services. Develop comprehensive fish ports, anchorage areas for typhoon shelters, search and rescue centers along the coast and on important islands such as Bai Long Vi, Cat Ba, Co To... to promote distant-water fishing, meeting the requirements for marine economic development and ensuring national defense and security.

Develop aquaculture, especially advanced offshore aquaculture, ensuring environmental hygiene and sustainable development. Form concentrated aquaculture zones oriented towards intensive high-yield farming. Vigorously develop brackish water aquaculture, particularly shrimp export farming using advanced technology. Expand mollusk farming (blood cockles, clams, mussels, oysters...) in river mouths, tidal flats, and island areas. Prioritize the development of industrialized marine fish and specialty farming combined with tourism, particularly in Bai Tu Long, Co To, Van Don, Tien Yen, and around Cat Ba Island... gradually building advanced offshore aquaculture in the North Central Coastal Economic Belt.

Continue upgrading and modernizing existing processing facilities; build new modern seafood processing facilities to produce high-quality products meeting international standards. Establish Hai Phong as a major fishing service center in the Gulf of Tonkin, a seed production center, feed production center, scientific and technological research center, processing, trade, and seafood export center in the Northern Region.

3. Agriculture and Forestry

Develop agriculture in the economic belt towards ecological, efficient, and sustainable agriculture. Stabilize grain production. Maintain the area under food crops at 140-145 thousand hectares by 2020, with grain output reaching 0.9-1.0 million tons, meeting food security requirements in the region. Continue adjusting crop structures suitable for the ecological conditions of each area, developing urban agriculture models serving tourism and services. Vigorously develop clean, safe, and premium vegetable production; expand flower and ornamental plant cultivation areas in suburban areas. Intensively apply advanced science and technology to production. Prioritize developing farm models, high-tech agricultural zones, viewing these as key breakthroughs in agricultural production in the economic belt in the coming period. Develop livestock production towards commodity production, raising the proportion of livestock in agricultural production value to over 40% by 2010 and 55-60% by 2020. Prioritize developing concentrated livestock farming in the form of farms and industries linked with processing.

Continue promoting socialization in forestry, combining economic goals with social benefits, improving the environment, and tourism. Mobilize investment funds to protect and develop forests in critical protective areas such as Lake Yen Lap, Lake Dien Vuong, Lake Trang Vinh, Ha Dong Dam..., coastal mangrove forests, and forests on islands. Vigorously implement forest enclosure and regeneration, particularly in Cat Ba National Park, nature reserves, and tourist areas. Develop concentrated wood raw material zones covering about 200,000 hectares for processing and export, and about 30,000 hectares of special-use forests for environmental and ecological protection. Encourage investment in productive forest business towards intensive high-yield farming; link afforestation, forest protection with timber processing and tourism business.

4. Infrastructure

a) Transportation: Build and modernize the transportation infrastructure system comprehensively to meet rapid development and attract external investment requirements.

- Regarding roadways: Along with the development of main traffic axes along the economic belt, investment will be made to upgrade and construct new connecting routes between the economic belt and two economic corridors, with Hanoi and major economic centers in the Red River Delta region, creating a continuous network throughout the entire area. Maintain the scale of National Highway 5, build Expressway 5B, combined with upgrading the longitudinal corridors along the route and supporting facilities to enhance the quality and transport capacity along the entire route. Upgrade and expand National Highways 4B, 18C, and 279 to meet Class III and IV standards, and ensure that all provincial roads and inter-district roads within the economic belt meet Class IV standards. Construct other cross routes connecting the main traffic axes with cities, industrial zones, economic zones... Invest in building new coastal roads within the framework of the national coastal road construction project from Mong Cai to Ca Mau to support marine economic development, combined with ensuring national defense and security.

Mobilize all resources (including public works labor), effectively integrate programs and projects in the locality to develop rural transportation, especially in mountainous and island areas. Prioritize the construction of transportation routes and power, water supply facilities on remote islands to ensure the living and production needs of the people.

- Regarding railways: Combine investment in upgrading existing railway lines with constructing new high-speed railway lines to meet the rapid development requirements of the Northern Key Economic Region and two economic corridors, one economic belt. From now until 2010, upgrade the Kep-Chi Linh section and construct the Ha Long-Cai Lan section. Implement the construction of a new single-track 1435 mm railway line from Yen Vien-Pha Lai; continue to upgrade and electrify the Hanoi-Hai Phong line and extend it to the Dien Vu-Cat Hai Industrial Zone. During the period 2016-2020, construct a new double-track 1435 mm high-speed railway line from Hanoi-Hai Phong. Study the construction of Ha Long-Mong Cai and Hai Phong-Thai Binh-Nam Dinh railway lines to connect with the Thong Nhat Railway heading south.

- Regarding seaports: Continue to upgrade and expand the Hai Phong port cluster to about 30 million tons by 2010 and maintain this level until 2020. Implement the construction of the international gateway port at Lach Huyen serving as a hub, meeting the maritime transport needs for both the northern region and transshipment goods from the Southwest China region. The port's capacity in 2015 will reach 6 million tons of dry cargo; 1 million tons of liquid cargo, and by 2020 will reach 26-40 million tons of dry cargo; 9-11 million tons of liquid cargo, capable of receiving ships up to 50,000-80,000 DWT. Implement the construction of the Nam Do Son port to serve the economy and national defense.

Complete the construction of the Cai Lan port, with a capacity of approximately 7-8 million tons in 2010 and reaching 16-20 million tons by 2020, capable of receiving ships up to 50,000 DWT. However, the development of the Cai Lan port must pay utmost attention to the issue of protecting Halong Bay's environment to meet the requirements of tourism development. Continue to upgrade the Mu Chua port into a gateway port for the western mountainous region of Quang Ninh and the provinces of Cao Bang and Lang Son. Construct the Van Hoa port to serve the Van Don Economic Zone. Invest in expanding the Van Gia (Mong Cai) port, with a scale of about 1 million tons in 2010, later increasing to 3-5 million tons, meeting the development requirements of the Mong Cai area, while also serving as a gateway for import and export trade with China. Invest in the Dam Nha Mac port complex as part of the Lach Huyen gateway port. Implement the construction of the Ha Ha port connected to the Ha Ha Industrial Zone to serve transportation for the entire northern market of Vietnam and southern China.

Continue to upgrade and expand the Cai Pha and Cu Ong coal ports; maintain the scale of the Nam Cau Trang port. Construct a new oil port in the Hon Gac (or Hon Ac) area capable of receiving ships up to 30,000 DWT; a dedicated port for the Cam Pha steel plant. Implement the construction of a large modern international-standard passenger port at Hon Gai capable of receiving ships such as the A321, B767 and equivalent, serving the high-speed north-south passenger sea route and international cruise routes.

- Regarding aviation: Upgrade and expand the Cat Bi International Airport (Haiphong) to Category 4E, with a capacity of 800 passengers during peak hours, capable of receiving aircraft such as the A321, B767 and equivalent. After 2020, continue to invest in upgrades to be able to receive limited-weight B747-400, B777 and equivalent aircraft. Promote the construction of the Van Don airport to be put into operation during the 2016-2020 period with a capacity of about 500,000 passengers/year; after 2020, expand capacity in line with the development progress of the Economic Zone.

b) Power Supply: Build a synchronized power grid to ensure stable and high-quality power supply throughout the economic belt, particularly for cities, economic zones, industrial zones, and large tourist and service areas. From now until 2020, upgrade and renovate the existing power grid; construct new important transmission lines and substations for the cities of Haiphong, Halong, Mong Cai, and urban centers, economic zones such as Mong Duong, Hoanh Bo, Cam Pha, Van Don, Tien Yen (Quang Ninh); Vat Cach, Dinh Vu, An Lao, Bac Song Cam (Haiphong)... Prioritize investment in power supply systems for important islands such as Cat Ba, Vinh Thuc... Develop diesel power, wind energy, solar energy for remote islands like Bai Long Vi, Co To, Minh Chau, Quan Lan...

c) Water Supply and Drainage: Upgrade and expand existing water treatment plants in Haiphong, Do Son, Halong, Cam Pha, Dong Trieu, Mong Cai... Complete water supply facilities for cities, economic zones, industrial zones, large tourist and service areas. Focus on building water supply and environmental sanitation facilities for rural areas. By 2010, over 80% of the rural population in the economic belt will have access to clean drinking water, reaching 100% before 2020. Construct modern drainage systems (separate stormwater and sewage drainage) and wastewater treatment areas in cities, industrial zones, tourist areas... in the region.

d) Information and communication: develop modern information and communication infrastructure to meet international integration requirements. Upgrade and expand radio and television coverage to all border communes and islands. Expand mobile network coverage throughout the economic zone, including sea areas and important islands. Prioritize the construction of a synchronized and modern coastal information system and maritime information system to ensure high-quality communication for economic development at sea, national defense, security, and search and rescue operations at sea.

5. Science and technology

Develop science and technology towards modernization to create impetus for rapid and sustainable growth. Vigorously apply advanced industrial techniques in production, especially in key areas such as electrification, informatization, mechanization, chemicalization, biotechnology, new materials, etc., to enhance efficiency and competitiveness of the economy. Actively support the process of transferring information technology to serve production and daily life. Encourage and support businesses and localities in building brands for their strong and distinctive products. Strengthen cooperation with central research institutions, universities, and foreign entities in training, scientific research, and transferring new science and technology to production.

6. Social sectors

a) Education and training: develop and improve the quality of education and training towards standardization, modernization, and socialization to raise the level of public knowledge and human resource quality in the economic zone. Complete the program of universal secondary education by 2010, aiming to achieve universal upper-secondary education throughout the region by 2020. Promote socialization in education to meet the requirements of socio-economic development. Implement the program of school consolidation, striving to increase the proportion of schools meeting national standards. Continue to implement state preferential policies for teachers in mountainous, difficult, and island areas, prioritizing the training of local teachers.

Expand the scale of higher education, college, vocational high school, and vocational training in fields with advantages such as mining, power industry, shipbuilding, machinery manufacturing, construction materials production, tourism, construction, fisheries, electrical engineering, electronics, etc. Expand collaboration with universities and training institutions both domestically and internationally to quickly build a high-quality workforce for the shipbuilding industry, meeting future development requirements. Develop vocational colleges and intermediate vocational schools in each locality. Accelerate the progress of building the Haiphong Tourism College to contribute to training high-quality human resources for the tourism sector in the economic zone. Prioritize attracting direct foreign investment to develop high-quality training facilities in the area. Encourage large enterprises in the area to participate in vocational training for local workers. Strive to increase the proportion of trained labor in the economic zone to over 50% by 2010 and over 70% by 2020.

b) Health care: develop a comprehensive health care network from provincial to grassroots levels, aiming to have more than 80% of communes in the economic zone reach national health standards by 2010 and achieve 100% before 2015. Complete provincial hospitals; continue to invest in material infrastructure, equipment, and healthcare staff for district hospitals and regional general hospitals. Develop comprehensively in terms of material infrastructure and equipment for preventive health centers to meet disease prevention and medical treatment needs. Complete the Hai Phong Marine Medicine Center. Implement the construction and completion of the second phase of the Viet-Tiep Hospital to meet the functions of a regional general hospital and some general hospitals in Haiphong City and Halong City with highly qualified healthcare staff, modern equipment, capable of providing medical services to foreigners working in the area and international tourists.

c) Culture and sports: continue to implement the goal of "Building and developing a progressive Vietnamese culture with distinct national characteristics." Invest in building a comprehensive cultural, sports, and information infrastructure according to the overall planning of the entire sector. Prioritize investment in facilities serving community cultural activities such as cultural-sports centers, cultural houses, parks, entertainment areas, etc. By 2010, 100% of households in the region will be able to listen to the radio, and 85-90% of households will be able to watch television. Strengthen the information supply system and book promotion to remote and island areas.

d) Other social sectors: continue to effectively implement the national target program on employment, the socio-economic development program in mountainous and island areas, and the national target program on poverty reduction. Develop specific plans for job creation and poverty alleviation programs suitable for the conditions of each locality, prioritizing investment in ethnic minority areas, remote areas, and islands. Effectively integrate the poverty reduction program with other programs and projects in the area. Implement social policies well for families of martyrs, those who have made contributions, and other social groups.

7. Environmental protection and sustainable development

Strictly protect the ecological environment of Halong Bay. Take strict measures to reduce negative impacts on the environment caused by coal extraction and processing; industrial production; tourism activities; port exploitation and marine transportation. Closely control the discharge of solid waste and polluted wastewater into Halong Bay. Wastewater from industrial zones, hospitals, and production facilities must be treated to meet Class B standards before being discharged into the common drainage system. Reasonably calculate the scale of port development and surrounding industrial projects around Halong Bay to protect the World Heritage site according to UNESCO regulations.

Strictly manage fishing activities in the area, especially in tidal zones, coastal areas, and around islands. Severely handle cases of fishing using explosives, electric shocks, chemicals, and destructive fishing gear. Do not develop small fishing vessels operating near the coast. Strengthen training and propaganda for fishermen on environmentally friendly aquaculture practices. Promote clean and ecological farming models to improve product quality and protect the environment.

Strictly manage coal mining activities in the Quảng Ninh region. Effectively prevent and aim to eliminate illegal coal mining. Plan land use appropriately to plant forests to compensate for forest areas destroyed due to open-pit coal mining in areas such as Đông Triều, Uông Bí, Cẩm Phả. Construct waste disposal sites at least 500 meters away from rivers and streams and at least 1 kilometer away from residential areas.

Establish a stable and sustainable protective forest system. Develop afforestation in coal mining areas. Restore and develop upstream protective forests, coastal forests, and forests on islands. Strictly protect Cat Ba National Park, natural conservation areas, and cultural historical forests that have been established; build additional conservation areas to protect and restore rare genetic resources and unique ecosystems, combining with tourism.

Build and gradually modernize wastewater drainage systems, solid waste collection and treatment systems; air pollution, dust, noise control systems in cities, economic zones, industrial zones, tourist areas... Plan centralized landfill areas according to regulations of the Ministry of Construction. By 2010, each city and town in the economic belt will have at least one solid waste processing facility; 100% of solid waste and hazardous waste in cities and industrial zones will be collected and treated.

Strictly manage the discharge of pollutants from transport ships operating at sea, particularly in Hạ Long Bay and nearby areas. Strictly adhere to technical rules during cargo handling, oil loading/unloading, and the transportation of dangerous chemicals. Promptly establish a specialized force with sufficient equipment to promptly respond to oil spills in the economic belt.

Strengthen environmental management. Strictly regulate environmental impact assessments during project development reviews, especially for projects with high pollution risks such as chemical plants, seaports, shipbuilding, thermal power plants... Encourage businesses to apply advanced and clean technologies to protect the environment.

Diversify environmental protection funding sources. Increase budget allocation for environmental management and protection. Implement support policies for production facilities to construct waste treatment facilities. Mobilize production and business establishments within the area to contribute funds for constructing waste treatment systems based on the principle that beneficiaries pay and polluters invest in remediation. Vigorously promote environmental education among all citizens, both urban and rural.

8. Strengthen and consolidate national defense and security

Strengthen and consolidate national defense and security in the economic belt, linked with the defensive strategy of the Northeast Region and the whole country, to maintain political stability and social order and safety, especially in border areas, maritime regions, and islands, creating conditions for economic development.

Build and modernize border management forces, maritime and island protection forces. Increase investment and capacity in key defense areas, ensuring mobility, readiness, and proactive response in all situations. Build strong coastal and island defense zones, including key island chains (Bạch Long Vĩ, Cát Bà, đảo Trần, Cô Tô, Vĩnh Thực...) to meet requirements for maritime and island protection and economic development. Coordinate closely between armed forces, civilian defense forces, and local residents to maintain political stability and sovereignty over border and maritime areas.

Specifically plan marine and island areas dedicated to national defense and security tasks; pilot construction of economic-defense zones on some important islands in the region in accordance with Resolution No. 27/2007/NQ-CP dated May 30, 2007, issued by the Government implementing the Central Committee's Resolution No. 4 on Vietnam's Marine Strategy until 2020.

Closely integrate economic and social development with national defense and security consolidation. The location of economic works and residential areas must take into account maritime and island defense requirements; forming interconnected residential clusters, agencies, enterprises... capable of mutual support and rescue when necessary. At the same time, the construction of coastal and island defense facilities such as ports, logistics-support bases, maritime assurance systems, military medical facilities... should be studied to serve both national defense and security needs and economic and social development in the area.

Continue to settle people on islands such as Bạch Long Vĩ, đảo Trần, Mã Cháu, Hạ Mai, Thanh Lân, Cô Tô... for long-term economic activities, contributing to both economic development and the protection of the Northeast maritime and island region of the country.

9. Direction for cooperation in economic belt development

The content of international cooperation in developing two corridors and one economic belt in general and the North Central Coast Economic Belt in particular is very diverse. Therefore, in the future, it is necessary to strengthen cooperation towards diversification and diversification of forms and fields of cooperation based on the principles of respecting independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, equality, and mutual benefit. Prioritize cooperation with China and ASEAN countries to fully exploit the potential and advantages of the region for rapid development. Expand cooperation with economically powerful countries and regional international organizations to develop key projects.

Regarding cooperation with China, based on the Bilateral Economic and Trade Cooperation Agreement between Vietnam and China, the Memorandum on implementing the two economic corridors and one economic ring route and the advantages of each country, in the future, efforts will focus on cooperation in the following main areas:

a) Cooperation in infrastructure construction: intensify cooperation in building transportation systems and border gate infrastructure, particularly the Hanoi - Halong - Mong Cai expressway linked to the two economic corridors to connect seamlessly with the coastal expressway network in southern China. In the short term, cooperate in upgrading National Highway 18A and the Kep - Bai Chay - Cai Lan railway line to international standards. In subsequent phases, continue cooperation in constructing the Halong - Mong Cai expressway and the Halong - Mong Cai - Dong Hung - Fengcheng railway line, connecting with the railway networks of both countries, aiming towards the construction of a trans-Asian railway in the future. Expand cooperation in building important seaports, forming hubs and efficient maritime transport networks, creating conditions to promote the development of the North Vietnam Bay Economic Belt and the two economic corridors and one economic ring route in general;

b) Cooperation in tourism: cooperate in researching and planning for comprehensive tourism development in the North Vietnam Bay Economic Belt and the two economic corridors and one economic ring route in general. Organize international tourist routes (by road, air, and sea) between localities in the two economic corridors and one economic ring route; develop a marine tourism circuit around the North Vietnam Bay. Intensify cooperation in building tourism infrastructure and operating tourism businesses. Encourage and create favorable conditions for Chinese enterprises to invest in building high-end hotels and entertainment facilities in key areas such as Halong, Van Don, Cat Ba, Mong Cai... Facilitate the convenience of tourist exit procedures. Expand cooperation in training human resources for tourism, especially Chinese-speaking tour guides, investment promotion, and tourism publicity... Coordinate to organize the Year of Tourism for the North Vietnam Bay Economic Belt, while regularly holding annual tourism fairs and exhibitions in each province within the economic belt;

c) Cooperation in trade: intensify cooperation in developing trade between localities of the two countries within the economic belt, especially in areas such as formal trade, market management, preventing smuggling and commercial fraud. Create favorable conditions for Chinese enterprises to invest in Vietnam and Vietnamese enterprises to trade with Chinese partners. Promote cooperation in developing border economic zones, especially the construction of the Mong Cai Border Economic Zone and the Bilateral Special Economic Zone at Mong Cai. Collaborate in establishing integrated service centers including rest stops, fuel supply bases, and other services... at border gates, ports, and along the two economic corridors and one economic ring route. Expand cooperation in other service sectors such as finance and banking, transportation, postal and telecommunications... Both sides will jointly cooperate in building and promoting ASEAN countries and international organizations to participate in establishing a financial fund for the development of the North Vietnam Bay Economic Belt;

d) Cooperation in industry: further intensify cooperation in industrial development, especially in industries where China has a competitive advantage such as thermal power, shipbuilding and production of auxiliary equipment for shipbuilding, oil refining, mineral extraction and processing, construction materials production, household appliance manufacturing, aquaculture and seafood processing... Strengthen contacts with China to identify cooperative projects and facilitate Chinese enterprises' investment in industrial development in the North Vietnam Bay Economic Belt;

e) Cooperation in fisheries: cooperate in investigating, assessing fishery resource reserves and exploitation capacity in the North Vietnam Bay and the joint fishing zone, thereby setting appropriate exploitation scales for each side to protect the resources. Intensify cooperation in managing and protecting fishery resources; investigating and researching fishing grounds; researching and transferring technology for fishery exploitation and cultivation, especially in seed production and marine aquaculture development for export and tourism...;

f) Cooperation in agriculture: expand cooperation in research and transfer of agricultural and forestry production technology; production and supply of high-yield and quality crop and livestock seeds; production of high-quality agricultural products that China needs such as rice, fruits and vegetables, flowers, ornamental plants, medicinal herbs, and livestock products... Create conditions for Chinese enterprises to engage in joint ventures in seed production and construction of high-tech agricultural zones in the economic belt. Intensify cooperation in protecting and developing upstream protective forests and managing shared river basins;

g) Cooperation in science and technology: establish a long-term and regular cooperation plan with China to jointly investigate and comprehensively synthesize the North Vietnam Bay to build a synchronized database serving effective and sustainable management and exploitation of North Vietnam Bay's resources and environment. Prepare material and human resources conditions to cooperate in oil and gas exploration in fields straddling the boundary line and overlapping areas outside the North Vietnam Bay when necessary. Strengthen cooperation in information exchange, training personnel, and organizing scientific research. Promote international cooperation in developing future marine industries in the North Vietnam Bay;

h) Cooperation in cultural and social fields: expand cooperation in education, human resource training, healthcare, arts and culture, exhibitions, sports, and other social fields. Intensify cultural and sports exchanges, artistic performances... between localities in the economic belt to better understand each other's customs and traditions, contributing to further strengthening the increasingly close diplomatic relations between the two countries.

i) Cooperation in environmental protection: closely cooperate with Chinese localities within the economic belt in environmental monitoring, forecasting, and environmental protection, especially marine environments, to ensure sustainable development for the entire economic belt. Strengthen cooperation in maritime safety, oil spill response, and handling marine pollution caused by oil spills. Expand cooperation in search and rescue, natural disaster warnings. The two countries will cooperate to establish a unified search and rescue center system in the economic belt area, with a plan to closely coordinate in effectively conducting search and rescue operations.

V. IMPLEMENTATION PLAN FOR THE MASTER PLAN

1. Period 2009 - 2010: form some dynamic territories; build the basic infrastructure system within the economic belt; promote attracting domestic and foreign investment projects into key works and dynamic regions... to create conditions for rapid development in subsequent periods.

2. Period 2011 - 2020: continue to invest in developing and modernizing the infrastructure system within the economic belt. Complete important components at economic zones and industrial parks. Fully construct and put into operation the bilateral special economic zone of Mong Cai, ports such as La Chi Huyen, Hai Ha, Van Gia..., Van Don airport, tourist areas, high-end entertainment centers, and other service facilities... to accelerate development after 2020.

VI. SOLUTIONS AND ORGANIZATION OF IMPLEMENTATION

1. General solutions between the two countries

Based on the agreements reached in the Memorandum on Implementing Cooperation in the "Two Corridors, One Economic Belt" between the Governments of Vietnam and China, both sides need to closely coordinate in implementing the following tasks and solutions:

a) Coordinate in planning the overall development of the North Gulf Coastal Economic Belt on the territory of both countries: both sides need to strengthen and promote the activities of the Working Group on Two Corridors, One Economic Belt under the framework of the Vietnam-China Joint Economic and Trade Cooperation Committee to organize and coordinate in planning the overall development of the economic belt across the territories of both countries, while building a joint action program to implement together in the coming period. Establish specialized expert teams in certain important fields to coordinate in building plans and cooperation programs for each field, while organizing the implementation of the plan and issues agreed upon by both sides;

b) Accelerate the cooperation plan to build the transportation system in the North Gulf Coastal Economic Belt: based on Article 6 of the Memorandum on Implementing Cooperation in the Two Corridors, One Economic Belt, the Ministry of Transport will conduct exchanges and agreements with China to jointly coordinate in planning the development of the transportation infrastructure system within the two corridors, one economic belt, and specifically the North Gulf Coastal Economic Belt. Accelerate the cooperation plan to build transportation works that have been agreed upon within the two corridors, one economic belt. Quickly build the expressway along the economic belt from Hai Phong - Halong to Mong Cai (temporarily upgrade National Highway 18 to Class III standard) to connect and integrate with the regional southern China expressway network. Coordinate in quickly building the expressways Hanoi - Hai Phong, Hanoi - Halong; build trade routes between the two border areas and roads connecting major border gates to inland economic centers;

Implement cooperation in upgrading the Kep - Bai Chay railway, Hanoi - Hai Phong railway to international standard 1435 mm; build the Pha Lai - Halong - Cai Lan railway; prepare conditions for cooperation in constructing the Halong - Mong Cai - Dong Hung - Fengcheng section to integrate into the national railway networks of both countries. Jointly cooperate in developing seaports to serve as outlets for the two corridors, one economic belt.

c) Cooperate to promote trade liberalization and facilitation of customs clearance. Both sides should create a favorable environment to promote trade liberalization within the North Gulf Coastal Economic Belt. Strengthen cooperation in improving and facilitating customs clearance at border gates, initially implemented at the international border gate pair Mong Cai - Dong Hung, then expanded to other border gate pairs. Enhance cooperation and promote the "One-Stop Customs Clearance" model at all major border gates within the economic belt, creating favorable conditions for cross-border goods exchange and travel of traders from both countries;

Actively expand cooperation in cargo and passenger transport between the two countries. Improve conditions for cross-border passenger and cargo transport, applying the Cross-Border Transport Permit System GMS agreed upon in the Cross-Border Transport Agreement GMS in April 2006. Consider opening cross-border passenger transport routes to promote tourism and trade cooperation.

d) The Ministry of Industry and Trade will coordinate with Quang Ninh Province to exchange and agree with Guangxi Province (China) to coordinate in planning and cooperating in building the Mong Cai Free Trade Zone (based on the model of a bilateral special economic zone); simultaneously agree on the regulations of this free trade zone, thereby drawing lessons to apply to other areas within the economic belt to promote trade between the two countries as well as with the region and the world.

2. Specific solutions for Vietnam

a) Establishing and perfecting the legal framework and mechanisms, policies for the Northern Gulf Coastal Economic Belt. Based on this planning orientation, relevant sectors and localities shall review, supplement, and concretize policies to mobilize all resources, both domestic and foreign economic components, to develop rapidly and modernize key industries and dynamic regions. Identify major projects, breakthrough and urgent fields and areas to have focused investment policies. Prioritize adequate investment capital for infrastructure construction in Van Don Economic Zone. On the basis of the organizational and operational regulations of Van Don Economic Zone issued by Decision No. 120/2007/QD-TTg dated June 20, 2007 of the Prime Minister, ministries, sectors, and localities shall continue to concretize special preferential policies to attract domestic and foreign investment to rapidly develop the economic zone in the coming time.

Continue to improve and innovate policies for border gate economies. Conduct a summary and evaluation of the implementation of Decision No. 53/2001/QD-TTg dated April 19, 2001 of the Prime Minister regarding policies for border economic zones to supplement and innovate support policies and measures to develop trade in these areas, especially policies on investment, export, tax, financial, monetary policies... to develop border gate economies.

Building and consolidating the legal foundation and human resources serving international integration. Continue to perfect the legal framework according to the World Trade Organization (WTO), Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and other multilateral and bilateral cooperation processes. Focus on building and nurturing a team of judges, lawyers, and foreign affairs officials from Quang Ninh Province and Hai Phong City to have the ability to negotiate and promptly resolve international economic and trade disputes during the process of developing the economic belt.

b) Creating a breakthrough in human resource development: implement positive policies to train and develop human resources, quickly build a high-quality workforce to meet the rapid development requirements of the economic belt in the context of cooperation and integration. Diversify training and vocational education forms, improve the quality of local young labor, especially for advantageous industries such as mining, thermal power, shipbuilding, manufacturing machinery, maritime transport, tourism, fisheries... Strengthen professional training and improve the capacity of economic management officials and foreign affairs staff. Enhance the capacity of training institutions in the area. Encourage large enterprises to participate in vocational training for local labor forces. Apply preferential policies to attract experts, excellent entrepreneurs, and highly qualified scientists... to work long-term in the economic belt.

Link with universities and training centers in Hanoi to expand the scale and forms of training. Promote foreign direct investment (FDI) in human resource development. Expand international cooperation, especially with China in training through various forms... to quickly build a high-quality workforce for key industries in the economic belt.

c) Solutions for science, technology, and the environment: reform scientific and technological management in line with market mechanisms and international integration requirements. Strengthen the application of new technologies through technology transfer, particularly advanced foreign technologies to renew technology, improve product quality, and competitiveness. Prioritize attracting advanced technology projects to invest in the economic belt.

Encourage all economic components to invest in technological renewal. Implement preferential policies such as credit incentives, tax exemptions and reductions, land lease fees... to promote science and technology. Develop mechanisms that both encourage and compel businesses to invest in technical improvements and apply new and suitable technologies in production. Expand cooperative relations, especially with China to develop science and technology. Take advantage of assistance and support from countries and international organizations in training, scientific research, technology application, and innovation...

Strengthen environmental protection efforts. Implement comprehensive solutions in terms of technology, policy mechanisms, and educational propaganda... to protect the natural resources and environment of the economic belt, especially Ha Long Bay, ensuring rapid, effective, and sustainable development. Strictly manage pollution discharges. Encourage businesses to apply clean technologies and environmentally friendly technologies in production.

Mobilizing and effectively utilizing investment capital for development: forecast the investment capital demand of the economic belt from now until 2020 at over 50 billion USD, including approximately 5-7 billion USD for the period 2009-2010. To meet this capital requirement, it is necessary to implement comprehensive and proactive measures to attract all possible sources of capital under various forms, focusing on the following main solutions:

- Strengthening promotional activities and showcasing the strengths and investment opportunities of the economic belt. Identify priority projects, areas, and levels of priority to call for investment from all economic components to develop production and business in the Northern Gulf Coastal Economic Belt.

- Applying preferential policies such as corporate income tax exemptions and reductions, import-export tax exemptions and reductions, land lease fee exemptions and reductions, land use fee exemptions and reductions, support for relocation and resettlement funds... for domestic and foreign enterprises investing in industrial park and economic zone infrastructure. Prioritize allocating budgetary funds and preferential loans to support the construction of important infrastructure projects. Promote the establishment of an infrastructure investment fund for the economic belt. Consider establishing a company for the development of the Northern Gulf Coastal Economic Belt (similar to what China is doing in the Beibu Gulf Economic Zone in Guangxi) to operate capital and create channels to attract capital for infrastructure development and key industries in the economic belt.

- Utilize investment capital for the intended purpose according to the project, reduce wastage and loss of capital, especially during construction. Simplify loan procedures; expand loan forms and recipients to facilitate access to this capital for all economic sectors. Effectively integrate programs and projects within the area to enhance the efficiency of capital usage. Expand capital mobilization through the issuance of various types of bonds to fund important projects;

- Continue to vigorously reform administrative procedures, creating a transparent environment for investment activities. Implement policies to encourage large corporations and enterprises to invest in production and business development in the North Coast Economic Belt of the Gulf of Tonkin;

- Encourage residential and private sectors to expand and develop production and business activities, particularly in areas such as concentrated agricultural and forestry production, aquaculture, farm economy development, tourism, services... Create favorable conditions for the development of the private sector without limitations on scale, industry, field, or location. Vigorously mobilize the contributions of the people (both financial and public labor) in accordance with state regulations for rural infrastructure construction, especially in mountainous and island regions;

- Reform mechanisms to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), establish comprehensive policies to attract FDI in line with integration processes. Create favorable and transparent conditions to attract foreign investors, especially Chinese investors, to develop production in the economic belt. Adjust the structure of FDI attraction appropriately, directing FDI towards priority fields. Encourage large projects capable of generating competitive advantages and export-oriented production projects. Intensify investment promotion efforts, coordinating with Chinese localities within the economic belt to organize conferences to promote investment environments, exchange experiences in investment promotion and attraction...;

- Closely coordinate among industries, localities, and international organizations to negotiate and secure Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects, prioritizing infrastructure development. Develop specific projects, actively promote investment, and proactively allocate counterpart funds as a basis for securing funding. Utilize international organization support funds in areas such as natural conservation, poverty reduction, rural clean water, environmental sanitation, healthcare, education... in mountainous and island regions. Expand Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT), Build-Transfer (BT), and other investment forms;

3. Organization of Implementation

a) Quickly conduct research on related issues: to achieve the economic belt's development goals, both countries need to cooperate in rapidly developing a general plan for the North Coast Economic Belt of the Gulf of Tonkin within their respective territories and a comprehensive cooperation program to be submitted to the governments of both countries for approval, serving as a basis for relevant industries and localities to implement;

b) Establish a forum for the North Coast Economic Belt of the Gulf of Tonkin: both sides will jointly organize a common forum on cooperation for the development of the North Coast Economic Belt of the Gulf of Tonkin, as well as specialized forums for key industries to discuss and unify related issues and plans for development cooperation;

c) Strengthen information and propaganda work: both countries will jointly build a bilingual (Vietnamese-Chinese) magazine or bulletin published regularly to provide each side with more information about the economic development and cooperation in areas related to the economic belt. Timely disseminate research contents to relevant agencies and organizations as a basis for building development programs and projects for the North Coast Economic Belt of the Gulf of Tonkin;

d) Allocation of responsibilities

- The Ministry of Planning and Investment shall take the lead, coordinate with relevant ministries, sectors, and localities to develop a joint action program, including specific responsibility allocation and coordination; coordinate with the Ministry of Finance to balance and mobilize investment capital for economic belt development; act as the focal point for Vietnam to coordinate with China in developing a general plan for the entire economic belt across both countries; develop an overall cooperation program and plan for the development of the North Coast Economic Belt of the Gulf of Tonkin and coordinate its implementation; act as the focal point to assist the government in coordinating with relevant ministries and sectors to implement and supervise the implementation of the plan and cooperation program for the development of the North Coast Economic Belt of the Gulf of Tonkin;

- Relevant ministries and sectors: develop specific sectoral action programs to implement the plan; incorporate the targets and development directions of this plan into their national sectoral development plans; coordinate with Quang Ninh Province and Hai Phong City to balance resources for economic belt development according to the plan; develop specific cooperation programs and projects within the economic belt and organize their implementation;

- People's Committees of Quang Ninh Province and Hai Phong City: review, adjust, and supplement their overall socio-economic development plans up to 2020, incorporating the targets and development directions of this plan into their provincial plans; develop local cooperation programs and specific cooperation projects and organize their implementation. The Quang Ninh and Hai Phong Departments of Planning and Investment shall assist the provincial and city People's Committees in coordinating with relevant ministries and sectors to implement and supervise the implementation of the plan and cooperation programs for the development of the North Coast Economic Belt of the Gulf of Tonkin within their jurisdictions;

- Ministries, sectors, and relevant localities shall coordinate with the Ministry of National Defense during the process of establishing and implementing economic and social development projects related to national defense, ensuring consistency between the economy and national defense, while not disrupting major national defense planning already approved by the Prime Minister;

- Annually, the People's Committee of Quang Ninh Province and Haiphong City shall cooperate with central ministries and sectors to organize reviews and evaluations of the implementation of this Planning Scheme to propose timely adjustments and supplements to align with new circumstances;

Article 2. This Planning Scheme serves as a basis for guiding the development of planning, plans, investment projects, and investment cooperation projects for specialized fields and relevant localities within the North Central Coastal Economic Belt;

Article 3. This Decision takes effect 45 days from the date of issuance;

Article 4. Ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, heads of government agencies, and Chairpersons of the People's Committees of Quang Ninh Province and Haiphong City are responsible for enforcing this Decision./.