(VNF) - The southernmost district of Ngoc Hien in Ca Mau province aims to tap its sea-based economic strengths in fishery and tourism to boost development.

The rural district is 75km from Ca Mau city and covers 98 square kilometers, housing six communes and one town, with a combined population of 98,000.

It is blessed with three sides facing the sea, and a fishing area of 15,000 square kilometers.

Khai Long beach in Ca Mau province (source: qdnd)

Local popular sights of interest include Dat Mui and Khai Long tourism areas, Mui Ca Mau biosphere reserve, and Hon Khoai island.

Despite possessing advantage for tourism development, Ngoc Hien remains in poverty: 11.44 percent of the household is needy, 6.64 percent are at poverty threshold - according to Secretary of the district’s Party Committee Nguyen Truong Giang.

While developing fisheries is considered a sensible move, most household engaging in fishing and aquaculture activities are facing hardship in accessing to capital and connecting to large-scale businesses. In details, Ngoc Hien has more than 300 low capacity fishing vessels, making off-shore fishing activities impossible.

Insufficient investment in infrastructure hinders tourism development, while serious coast erosion and environmental pollution negatively affect people's health.

Given the setbacks, Ca Mau province has supported the district in building the Nam Can – Dat Mui road, part of the Ho Chi Minh trail in 2015 and implementing the Khai Long wind power as well as several tourism development projects in Dat Mui.

Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Tran Hong Quan said the locality will enact measures to boost socio-economic development such as building infrastructure, attracting investment and developing aquatic breeding. Local authorities plan to develop ecotourism, community-based tourism, and invite enterprises to invest in tourism infrastructure and improve service quality.

They will also improve Rach Goc fishing port to create more jobs for local people./.

( VNF )