Phu Tan District: Two Decades of Progress and Transformation

On January 1, 2004, Phu Tan district was officially re-established from Cai Nuoc district under Decree 138/2003/ND-CP dated November 17, 2003. Through 20 years of development, Phu Tan has transformed significantly, showcasing strong economic growth, ensured social security, and an improved quality of life for its residents. This progress is the result of the persistent efforts of the Party Committee, government, and people of the district, all working toward the shared goal of making Phu Tan more civilized and prosperous.

Phu Tan District, situated in the Western coastal corridor of the Gulf of Thailand, is a key area for marine economic development in Ca Mau province. Cai Doi Vam town, located in this corridor, serves as a coastal urban area linking with other significant locations along the sea dike route, including Song Doc town, Da Bac estuary residential area, and Khanh Hoi estuary. Its strategic location enables Phu Tan district to effectively connect with other regions in Ca Mau, fostering both domestic and marine economic growth.

To leverage its marine economic potential, Phu Tan district has prioritized developing industries related to seafood processing and fishing logistics. The district is also focusing on attracting investment in key areas such as a commercial center and recreational, entertainment and sports facilities in the Phu Tan district cultural and sports center. The District Party Committee emphasized fostering the enthusiasm and creativity of its staff, Party members and residents, aiming to drive socio-economic development, ensuring political stability, security and national defense.

With the support of the entire political system, Phu Tan district has experienced strong growth over the past 20 years. In 2004, the structure was 59.51% fishery, agriculture, and forestry; 22.88% industry and construction; and 17.61% services. By 2023, the share of fishery, agriculture and forestry decreased to 28.66%, while industry and construction have risen to 38.39%, and services have increased to 32.95%. The district continues to develop and replicate effective production models and supports the growth of many economic sectors, facilitating production and business development.

In the first half of 2024, Phu Tan district made significant socio-economic strides due to effective and coordinated efforts. The district's aquaculture and fisheries sector produced 46,570 tons, achieving 64.23% of the annual target and exceeding the previous year's output by 1,450 tons. State budget revenue reached VND32,821 million, fulfilling 69.83% of the target and reflecting a 20% increase compared to the same period last year. Disbursement of public investment capital stood at 55.43%, which earned commendation from the Provincial People's Committee and secured a ranking of 5th out of 23 investors. Additionally, job creation efforts achieved 72.58% of the target. Overall, all socio-economic targets for 2024 were met at 50% or more in the first six months, with some reaching 100%.

Recognizing infrastructure as important for socio-economic development and rural modernization, Phu Tan district has consistently mobilized investment from the central government, the province, district budgets and local resources over the past 20 years. Initially a remote area with poor transportation, Phu Tan now boasts asphalt roads connecting the district center to all nine communes and towns. Water transport has been developed for both transportation and irrigation. Previously reliant on waterways, all 67 hamlets and villages now have concrete roads leading to their cultural headquarters. The district has constructed over 1,130 km of concrete roads and more than 750 rural bridges, significantly improving travel, trade and transport. Additionally, 100% of households now use electricity. Educational facilities have seen a 1.2-fold increase in classrooms and a 1.4-fold increase in teachers, with an average of 31.11 students per classroom and 18.5 students per teacher. All communes meet national health standards, with the number of hospital beds increasing by 3.43 times and the number of doctors rising by 3.57 times.

Phu Tan has experienced significant progress and development after 20 years since its re-establishment

Recognizing the National Target Program on New Rural Development as an important task, Phu Tan district has worked diligently to implement it effectively. In 2020, Phu Tan District received the Emulation Flag and a VND10 billion award from the Prime Minister for its achievements in the "Whole country joins hands for new rural development" movement (2010-2015). As of now, all 8 communes in the district meet the new rural standards, achieving 100% compliance with 112 out of 152 criteria, averaging 14 criteria per commune. The district Party Committee is focused on advancing Phu Thuan commune to meet advanced new rural standards, currently fulfilling 12 out of 19 criteria. Cai Doi Vam town meets civilized urban standards, achieving 51 out of 52 criteria and 8 out of 9 contents. According to the Project approved by the Ca Mau People's Committee (Decision 1257/QD-UBND, June 25, 2024), Phu Tan district aims to meet all nine criteria for a new rural district by 2025, in line with Prime Minister's Decision 320/QD-TTg (March 8, 2022).

Alongside economic development, Phu Tan district has effectively advanced in culture, sports, social security and political security, as guided by the District Party Committee. These efforts have led to significant improvements in the material and spiritual well-being of the people. Political security, social order and safety have been upheld, with strengthened measures for traffic order and safety, fire prevention and fighting, and natural disaster management.

Since 2020, Phu Tan district has consistently excelled in the Administrative Reform Index, ranking first in 2020 and 2022, third in 2021, and fifth in 2023. This strong performance has positively impacted Ca Mau province's Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI). To further enhance the investment and business environment, Phu Tan District is focusing on administrative reform and digital transformation, aiming to reduce processing times for administrative procedures by at least 20%. Additionally, the district supports businesses by facilitating access to preferential loans and support programs, thereby improving their capacity and competitiveness and enabling them to integrate confidently into the international economy.

Mr. Tran Van Hoa, Chairman of the Phu Tan District People's Committee, revealed the investment strategy for the coming years. From now until 2025, the district will focus on attracting investment in its key areas of strength, including developing supply chains, processing and marketing aquatic products as OCOP (One Commune, One Product) goods. Additionally, Phu Tan aims to promote investment in shipbuilding, ship repair, and other supporting industries related to fishing logistics. Hoa emphasized that the district's growth is closely tied to the stable development of enterprises and the broader business community. Therefore, the district is committed to administrative reform, innovation, and digital transformation. He said that the district will implement a range of coordinated solutions, with active participation from the entire political system, to provide the most favorable conditions for enterprises and investors. This approach is expected to create a breakthrough, promoting comprehensive, stable and sustainable socio-economic development and contributing to the successful implementation of both the 14th District Party Congress Resolution and the 16th Provincial Party Congress Resolution (2020-2025).

By Cong Luan, Vietnam Business Forum