The Prime Minister has approved a plan to develop Vietnam’s island economy up through 2020 with an estimated capitalization of more than VND162 thousand billion.

The plan aims to develop the infrastructure of islands quickly and efficiently, and build a solid line of defence to protect national sovereignty.

The focus will be on building infrastructure facilities to strengthen the islands’ economic links with the mainland.

The key islands include Phu Quoc (Kien Giang province), Van Don (Quang Ninh), Con Dao (Ba Ria-Vung Tau), Co To-Thanh Lan (Quang Ninh), Cat Ba-Cat Hai (Hai Phong), Ly Son (Quang Ngai) and Phu Quy (Binh Thuan).

To carry out the plan efficiently, the government will deploy measures to perfect the legal framework, develop human resources and promote advanced science, technology, and research.

Vietnam’s annual island economic growth is projected at 14-15 percent from now until 2020.