General Secretary To Lam pays a working visit to Hon Khoai island, Ca Mau province. (Photo: VNA)

The Party leader asked the local authorities to accelerate the Master Plan on developing the Hon Khoai island cluster to achieve strong economic growth and firm national defense and security. He stressed the need to adopt a comprehensive investment in energy, transport, telecommunications infrastructure, military facilities, and a dual-use deep-water port and storm shelter.

The same day, General Secretary To Lam visited the Tho Chau Special Zone, An Giang province, where he highlighted the province’s role in economic growth and its strategic importance for national defense.

The Party leader asked the province to coordinate with the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Public Security, and other relevant ministries and sectors to develop a Sustainable Development Plan for the Tho Chau Special Zone in alignment with safeguarding national defense and security. He said the province should focus on building stable residential areas, upgrading transport facilities, and ensuring electricity and telecommunications supply.

Mr. Lam stressed the need to consider population development a strategic, long-term component of sustainable maritime and island development.

Mr. Lam asked the locality to ensure on smooth operation of the 2-tier local government, build a large-scale seafood purchasing and processing production and service area, study high-tech marine farming, modern fishing logistics, attract investment, and develop eco-tourism and spiritual tourism.

Party leader To Lam visits the Command of Coast Guard Region 4. (Photo: Van Hieu/VOV)

At a working session with the Coast Guard Region 4 Command in An Giang province, the Party chief requested the Coast Guard Region 4 Command to take the initiative in safeguarding national sovereignty; combating crime and legal violations at sea; preventing and combating IUU fishing; carrying out search and rescue operations; and protecting the marine environment.