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| The bridge over Thuan An Estuary is nearing completion. Photo: BAO CHAU |
Driver of development
In the early second quarter 2 of 2024, one of major projects witnessed and attended by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and central government leaders was launched in the Chan May - Lang Co Economic Zone. The project involves the construction of general and container berths No. 4 and No. 5 at the Vsico Chan May Port, invested by Vsico Maritime Corporation, with a total investment of over VND 1,678 billion. The project spans a total area of 20.4 hectares, with the combined length of the two berths reaching 540 meters. Once finalized, the port will accommodate cargo ships of up to 70,000 tons and container ships of up to 4,000 TEUs.
As planned, berth No. 4 will be put into operation in the second quarter of 2025, and berth No. 5 will commence operations in early 2026. The port's annual throughput is expected to reach 5 million tons of import-export goods. For container ships, the annual throughput is projected to range from 80,000 to 100,000 TEUs.
Later, in late August of the same year, the groundbreaking ceremony for an engine manufacturing and assembly plant, invested by Kim Long Motors Hue Corporation, was held in the Chan May - Lang Co Economic Zone. The project has a total investment of approximately USD 260 million and will be executed in two phases.
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| The Aeon Mall commercial service center, with a total investment of approximately VND 4,000 billion, has been finalized and put into operation, elevating Huế's status in calling for and attracting investment |
In phase 1, the company will focus on manufacturing and assembling internal combustion engines (diesel), CNG, and electric engines, with an annual capacity of over 12,000 products. Phase 2 will concentrate on producing and assembling vehicle axles, gearboxes, and transmission systems. Previously, the company launched and delivered Kim Long Mobiline-branded buses to customers, a product of the Kim Long Motors Hue assembly complex. Phase 1 of this project, with a total investment of approximately VND 4,400 billion, was finalized.
Additionally, major projects such as Nguyen Hoang Road and the bridge crossing the Hương River with a total investment of over VND 2,281 billion, and the Thuan An Estuary pedestrian route and bridge project with a total investment of approximately VND 2,400 billion were initiated in 2022 and are expected to be operational by the fourth quarter of 2025. These projects will enhance Hue's position in attracting investment and boosting the local socioeconomic development.
Furthermore, the Hue Kanglongda Factory, specializing in single-use gloves, located in the Phong Dien Industrial Zone, has a total investment of nearly VND 5,000 billion. Phase 1, with an investment of about VND 2,200 billion, has been finalized, creating jobs for around 1,500 workers and is expected to contribute approximately VND 220 billion annually to the state budget.
More opportunities
Simultaneously with the groundbreaking of general berths No. 4 and No. 5 at Vsico Chan May Port, the Phu Son Waste-to-Energy Plant in Phu Son Commune, Huong Thuy Town, was inaugurated. The project has a total investment of approximately USD 74.555 million, covering 11.234 hectares, with a processing capacity of about 220,000 tons of household waste annually. It can provide around 93 million kWh of green electricity per year, addressing waste management and environmental hygiene issues in the area.
The project was awarded the "International Safety Award" by the British Safety Council. The fly ash landfill of the project is the first one from a waste-to-energy plant in Vietnam to be put into operation.
Another recently finalized project that significantly enhances Huế's image and position in the eyes of both investors and tourists is the Aeon Mall Hue Commercial Service Center, located in Area A of the An Van Duong Urban Zone. The project covers 8.62 hectares, with a total investment of nearly VND 4,000 billion.
For the first time, Hue has a modern center with a full range of amenities, including high-end dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Furthermore, the opening of the Aeon Mall Hue draws many major domestic and international brands in fashion, beverages including Uniqlo, Phuc Long, KOI Thé, Katinat, and recently, Starbucks, adding to the luxury and prestige of Hue.
Upcoming major transportation projects such as Nguyen Hoang Street and the bridge over the Huong River, the Thuan An Estuary pedestrian route and bridge, the expansion of the Cam Lo - La Son Expressway to four lanes, and the extension of To Huu Street to Phu Bai Airport will significantly improve inter-regional connectivity and commerce. These will offer more opportunities for investment attraction and economic growth in Hue.
Currently, the authorities are focusing on attracting investment in projects that promote the nighttime economy, diversifying Hue's nighttime tourism services. High-end visitors to Hue can now enjoy services at Aeon Mall, and play golf at Laguna Lang Co or Golden Sands Golf Resort (in Vinh Xuan and Vinh Thanh communes, Phu Vang). Additionally, more nighttime entertainment services will soon be available. These developments are essential for elevating Hue's urban status and high-end services as a centrally-governed city.