Coastal District with Many Advantages and Opportunities

Today, Dam Doi district is a lively example of its rich history and a symbol of the dedicated efforts by both the government and residents to drive transformation and reduce poverty.

Dam Doi town in Dam Doi district is becoming gradually urbanized

Abundant potential

"In the district's economic development plan for 2024, we are committed to leveraging our potential and mobilizing investment resources effectively to drive socio-economic advancement. Our focus will include accelerating digital transformation, reforming administrative processes, and significantly enhancing the investment and business climate. Additionally, we will prioritize the development of cultural and social sectors, ensure the well-being of our residents, and adapt to climate change," said Mr. Le Minh Hien, Chairman of the People's Committee of Dam Doi District.

Investors recognize that Dam Doi district holds much potential for economic growth, particularly in the fisheries sector. Acknowledging this early, local authorities are working toward establishing the district as a dynamic economic hub and a leading center for aquaculture in the province. As a result, in the first half of 2024, the aquaculture sector has shown promising development, with total aquatic product output reaching 76,610 tons, or 65.8% of the planned target, reflecting a 0.3% increase from the previous period. Additionally, the authorities have supported and facilitated the growth of the salt industry in Luu Hoa Thanh hamlet, Tan Thuan commune, where the salt-making area spans 135.9 hectares and involves 55 households, maintaining a strong production output.

In conjunction with efforts to build new rural areas, various sectors and units have been actively involved in implementation. Notably, a ceremony was held to announce Tan Duyet commune's achievement of new rural standards, raising the total number of communes meeting these standards to 9 out of 15. Furthermore, Ta An Khuong commune is being directed toward achieving advanced new rural area status. The One Commune One Product (OCOP) program has also seen positive outcomes, with 43 OCOP products currently recognized—10 achieving a 4-star rating and 33 attaining a 3-star rating.

The district is home to 221 active enterprises with a total capital of VND 562.8 billion and 2,795 individual production and business establishments, totaling VND296.36 billion in capital. This has led to an increase in production value compared to the previous period.

Efforts have been concentrated on enhancing the quality of government management at all levels, particularly through improvements in the Reception and Result Delivery Department from the district down to the commune level. There has been a gradual enhancement in the service attitude of civil servants, with strict measures taken against violations. The district also holds two annual dialogues with citizens and businesses to address concerns and gather feedback.

As a result of these initiatives, Dam Doi district has achieved outstanding performance in administrative reform, according to the Administrative Reform Index announced by the People's Committee of Ca Mau province. In 2023, Dam Doi ranked first among the nine districts, significantly contributing to the province's success in administrative reform and the improvement of the Provincial Competitiveness Index (CPI).

Unlocking all resources

Mr. Le Minh Hien emphasized that successfully achieving the socio-economic development goals requires a strong focus on unlocking resources and addressing bottlenecks to facilitate the disbursement of public investment capital. Dam Doi district is aiming to achieve over 95% of its public investment capital disbursement target for 2024. By the end of the fourth quarter of 2024, all projects and works are expected to complete a volume of work equivalent to the allocated capital plan, with all payment documents processed to ensure full disbursement of the capital according to the prescribed timeline.

The district has designated 2024 as an important year for accelerating the execution of the goals and tasks outlined in the District Party Congress Resolution and the 5-year plan. In line with this focus, the district will adhere closely to the established plan and orientations, ensuring alignment with practical realities while addressing and overcoming shortcomings and limitations.

Mr. Le Minh Hien said that the district is actively seeking investment for several key projects. These include high-tech, super-intensive shrimp production projects across 40 hectares in Nam Chanh hamlet, Tan Dan commune, and 140 hectares in Mo O area, Tan Thuan commune. Additionally, the district is calling for investment in a concentrated aquatic seed production farm, a processing factory, and an aquatic feed factory within the Tan Thuan Industrial Park, contingent upon the approval of the relevant planning. The district is also developing an investment plan for salt production in Tan Thuan commune in line with Plan 53/KH-UBND, which aims to advance the Ca Mau salt industry from 2021 to 2030. Furthermore, there are directives to expand the improved extensive shrimp model in two phases and implement the static water shrimp farming model in irrigation plots in Tan Duyet commune, with the goal of achieving international certification for these farming practices once the necessary conditions are met.

By Nguyen Mai, Vietnam Business Forum