Deputy Minister Le Minh Ngan (third from right) listening to Acting Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairwoman of the People’s Council of Ben Tre province Ho Thi Hoang Yen introduce the coastal reclamation planning project

In Ben Tre, one of the areas most severely affected by coastal erosion is Con Nhan. To address this, the province has invested in a coastal erosion and sea encroachment prevention project, covering a total length of 2.3 kilometers, divided into two sections.

The first section spans 0.8 kilometers towards the Ba Lai River mouth, while the second extends 1.5 kilometers towards the Ham Luong River mouth. The project, with a total investment of 210 billion VND, is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.

Once completed, the project will prevent land loss caused by coastal erosion and encroachment, both of which are exacerbated by climate change and rising sea levels in Ba Tri District. This will provide a foundation for sustainable and long-term production for local communities.

According to provincial leaders, the Ben Tre development resolution focuses on the province’s eastern direction, aiming to leverage its marine economic potential while ensuring national security and adapting to climate change. Key priorities include the coastal transport route, as well as sectors like renewable energy, seaports and logistics, manufacturing, urban services and tourism, and high-value agriculture.

As part of the province’s development plan, Ben Tre will focus on three coastal districts: Thanh Phu, Ba Tri, and Binh Dai. The plan also includes a sea reclamation strategy, aiming to add 500 square kilometers, nearly a quarter of the province’s current area (2,379 square kilometers), to expand its development space.

During the inspection, Deputy Minister Le Minh Ngan praised the project after observing it in person. He urged the delegation to pay attention to approved projects. For large-scale coastal reclamation projects that require significant investment, the deputy minister stressed the importance of not only state funding but also resources from private investors.

Additionally, the coastal road connecting Ho Chi Minh City – Long An – Tien Giang – Ben Tre presents a favorable condition for attracting major investment projects to the province.

Deputy Minister Le Minh Ngan also urged Ben Tre province to prioritize the three coastal districts and expedite the planning process. He suggested hiring experienced consultants to create urban development plans to attract more investors.

Ngoc Huyen (NRE Magazine)