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VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, HANOI
INSTITUTE OF VIETNAMESE STUDIES AND DEVELOPMENT SCIENCES
NGUYEN NGOC PHUONG

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF MARINE
ECONOMY IN HALONG CITY Master's thesis
Major: Vietnamese studies Ha Noi - 2012
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
INTRODUCTION 8
1. Reason selected theme 8
2. Literature review 9
3. Research objects, tasks and scopes of thesis 12
4. Methodologies 13
5. Research methods 15
6. The contribution of the thesis 16
7. The structure of the thesis 17
Chapter 1: GENERAL THEORY AND RESOURCES FOR MARINE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF HALONG CITY 18
1.1. The general theory of marine economy and sustainable development of
marine economy 18
1.1.1. Marine economy 18
1.1.2. Specialization and the synthetic development of marine economy 21
1.1.3. Sustainable development of marine economy 22
1.2. Factors affecting the development of marine economy in Halong 24
1.2.1. Development trends of marine economy in the world, objectives and
strategic development of marine economy in Vietnam 24
1.2.2. The process of urbanization and industrialization in Ha Long 29
1.2.3. Policies of economic development and marine economy in Halong city 30
1.2.4. Other factors 32
1.3. Resources for marine economic development in Ha Long 32
1.3.1. Overviews on Ha Long city 32
1.3.2. Potentials of marine fishing and aquaculture 33
1.3.3. Natural tourism resources and humanities 35
1.3.4. Potentials development of marine transport 39
1.3.5. Other resources 40

2.7. Effects of marine economic activities for natural resources and environment
at Halong city 80
2.8. General assessment on the marine economic development in Halong city
based on SWOT analysis 81
2.8.1. Strengths 81
2.8.2. Weaknesses 83
2.8.3. Opportunities 86
2.8.4. Challenges 86
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Chapter 3: ORIENTATION AND SOME SOLUTIONS TO PROMOTING
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF MARINE ECONOMY IN HALONG
CITY TO 2020 89
3.1. Orientation for sustainable development of marine economy in Halong
city to 2020 89
3.1.1. Development perspectives and targets 89
3.1.2. Full exploitation of the special advantages of the sea area and coastal 90
3.1.3. Transforming Halong city into a dynamic marine economy center 91
3.1.4. Development orientation of the fisheries sector 92
3.1.5. Development orientation of coastal and marine tourism 96
3.1.6. Development orientation of marine traffic- transport 99
3.1.7. Development orientation of port-related industries 99
3.1.8. Development orientation of services associated with marine economy 99
3.2. Solutions to promoting sustainable development of marine economy in
Halong city 101
3.2.1. Mechanism and policy solutions 101
3.2.2. Organization and management solutions 103
3.2.3. Mobilize funds for development of marine economy 103

have more than 4000 islands in large and small sizes are distributed mainly in
the Northeast sea and Southwest. The islands are well-known for beautiful
landscape and have important strategic position such as: Bach Long Vi island,
Phu Quoc island Tho Chu island, Con Son island, Con Co island, Phu Quy
island, Cat Ba island, and island systems in the Spratly islands In particular,
the sea area and coastal of Vietnam are located on the vital maritime trade route
between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, between Europe and the
Middle East to China, Japan and other countries in the region. This is both an
opportunity and a challenge for Vietnam regarding socio-economic
development and national security. Because marine economic development
must be associated with the protection of national territory. So, striving to
become a “sea powers” does not only makes sense in economic terms, but also
help Vietnam affirm sovereignty of the national territory.
In Northern Vietnam, Ha Long is one of the coastal cities dynamic in
economic development. The city is located in the coastal corridor of the Gulf of
Tonkin, which is a critical point in the growth triangle Hanoi - Hai Phong -
Quang Ninh. In recent years, Halong plays an important role in socio-
development of the region. With comparative advantages of deep water port
development, tourism, marine services, minerals, together with a convenient
transportation system, Halong has many favorable conditions towards
comprehensive development of the marine economy. However, the sector’s
growth rate is not quite compensurate with the potentials, posing urgent needs
for specific orientations in sustainable development.

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Aware of the importance of the seas in economic development, I
conducted the research on the following theme: “Sustainable development of
marine economy in Halong city”. The study provides a panoramic view on the
marine economy in Halong, particularly, the advantages, difficulties, problems,
while offers suggestions on directions and solutions to sustainable development

• Interdisciplinary approach
• Sustainable development perspective 5
5. Research methods
- Actual survey methods and interview
- Method diagrams, maps
- SWOT analysis method
- Method comparison and analysis - synthesis
6. The contribution of thesis
Through theoretical and practical studies, thesis showed that the
difference between the potential and the situation development of marine
economy in Ha Long city. Then making orientation and optimal solution to
develop effective and sustainable marine economy in Halong.
This thesis is the basis for the policy makers, managers can give
orientation, direction, strategies to towards sustainable development of marine
economy in Halong.
The results of the thesis research will contribute to the construction of
scientific evidence on the development of marine economy in a locality, is the
basis for the experts and scholars research analysis, recommend policies
sustainable development of marine economy in the context of international
economic integration of Vietnam.
7. The structure of thesis
In addition to an introduction and conclusion, the thesis consists of three
chapters:
Chapter 1: The basis of general theory and marine economic
development resources of Halong city
Chapter 2: Situation development of marine economy in Ha Long city
Chapter 3: Orientation and some solutions promote sustainable

economy. And in the specialized functions of each branch is further split into
specific activities. For example: specialization of marine transportation has
deeper specialization about fleet, specialized handling capacity of the port
specialization promote the industries to thrive, improve productivity labor.
Integrated development of marine economy will help the marine-related
industries such as exploitation of seafood, aquaculture and seafood processing;
island sea travel; marine exploitation and mineral processing; marine
transportation, long-term development, to bring big profits and do not affect
each other, and protect marine resources, does not pollute the environment.
1.1.3. Sustainable development of marine economy
Marine economy is part of the economy, so the maritime economy also
operate on the principle of sustainable development of the economy in general.
For sustainable development of marine economy, the need to ensure the
following factors:
- Development of effective economic sea (sea economic growth,
economic efficiency, saving resources);
- Development of social harmony (raising the standard of living and level
of the strata of the population lives in the sea and coastal areas, to ensure social
justice, solidarity, friendly);
- Improve the marine ecological environment to ensure long-term
development for present and future generations (rational exploitation and use of
marine resources, protection of the marine environment. Apply science and

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technology to promote the production production in order to improve
productivity and output. Simultaneously farming, renewable new marine
resources to replace, )
1.2. Factors affecting the development of marine economy in Halong
1.2.1. Development trends of marine economy in the world, objective
and strategic development of marine economy in Vietnam

2008
Population (people)
185.229
192.870
200.000
213.547
Rate of urban
population (%)
90,95
90,94
91,07
91,24
(Source: Compiled from Statistical Yearbook of Ha Long 2005 – 2009)

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Strong industrialization took place to meet the conditions of socio-
economic development, take on the role is central to the development of
industry-handicraft, thriving center of marine economy.
1.2.3. Policies of economic development and marine economy in
Halong city
The policies of the Party, State of Vietnam, Halong city direct impact on
the operation and development of the economic fields, creating momentum for
marine economy of Halong city many flourishes.
1.2.4. Other factors
- The level of investment: The investment directly affect the speed, scale
and development of the marine economy.
- Human resources: human resources often has two sides. On the one
hand, human resources promoting marine economic development. On the other
hand, marine economic development contributes to creating jobs for the people.
1.3. Resources for marine economic development in Ha Long

the world.
- Ha Long Bay is located in the coastal climate, the average temperature
of 23.7 oC. Climate is quite suitable for the tourist resort activities, swimming,
tourism, etc. However, summer is often affected by the floods, winter is the
cold winds. So, has created a climate in Ha Long tourist season.
- Halong Regional focus most of the ecology of a tropical sea, including:
mangrove ecosystems, tropical rain forest ecosystems, coral reef ecosystems,
Tung - Ang ecosystem, wetland ecosystems. Tung - Ang ecosystem is a very
special ecosystem at Halong. Ecosystems play a huge role in protecting the
environment, and it's also a attractive tourist resources.
- The landscape of Ha Long Bay to the cave: Sung Sot cave, Bo Nau
cave, Hang Trinh Nu , together with the urban landscape of Ha Long has many
historical monuments is a valuable tourism resource.
1.3.3.2. Humanistic tourism resources
- Ha Long has many historical legends: legend “lowering Dragon”, the
tale of Virgin cave and it has many archaeological sites of Halong culture.
These are the cultural and historical value is very precious, is a great potential
in promoting the brand, and pictures for Ha Long tourism in particular and
Vietnam in general.
- Halong culinary background with bold nature of the sea, the famous
dish like: fried squid, steamed clam, jellyfish mannequins are produce from the
seafood.
- Occupation handicrafts coal contributed to the attractive souvenir
products with tourism
- 2 times the title was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and
become one of the new 7 wonders of the world is prerequisite for the
development of tourism, attracting international visitors.
1.3.4. Potentials development of marine transport
1.3.4.1. Topography
Halong mainly low hilly and divided by mountains pierced close to the

Chapter 2
STATE OF DEVELOPMENT OF MARINE
ECONOMY IN HALONG CITY

2.1. State of socio-economic development in Halong city
Halong city is the economic and administrative center of the province of
Quang Ninh. Annual economic growth of the city is constantly and relatively
stable. Average GDP growth rate in the city increased from 12,88% in the
period 2000 - 2005 to 14,49% in the period 2005 – 2008. Social life is
enhanced. Infrastructure development and improvement of a step the type of
medical services, education and training, banking and insurance. The economic
structure has shifted significantly towards increasing the share of industry and

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services. Industrial structure and construction accounted for 45% in 2007.
Service sector accounts for a very high proportion and maintained at 54%.
Agriculture significantly reduced the proportion of only 1,1% in 2008. The
economic restructuring of the city is consistent with the general trend of the
province and other cities in the country.
2.2. State of development of fisheries sector
2.2.1. Aquaculture
2.2.1.1. Freshwater aquaculture
Freshwater aquaculture in Ha Long has scale and growth relatively small.
Freshwater aquaculture area of the city only accounts for 0,94% (2009) the area
of freshwater aquaculture in the province. Over the years the city's aquatic
production is more volatile.
Table 2.1: The situation of freshwater aquaculture at Halong city in
the period 2001 - 2009

2001

Halong Bay to took the entire area of aquaculture in 2 communes; Dai Yen, Viet
Hung. Besides, the change of weather, climate and environmental pollution also
significantly reduce productivity and aquaculture output.
2.2.2. Seafood exploitation
2.2.2.1. Total output of seafood exploitation
According to statistics of Chamber of Economic Ha Long, in 2011 the total
output of seafood exploitation over 2000 tons , equal to 100% of the plan year.

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Seafood exploitation have reached the target of period 2008 - 2015. This
suggests that the marine resources in the area of Ha Long Bay and offshore
fisheries resources Hai Phong - Quang Ninh are ample. Important task is to
balance the catch near the shore so as not to deplete near-shore resources.
2.2.2.2. Capacity of seafood exploitation
* Number of boats:
The total number of fishing vessels in the city sum is 1024 units (2011).
Structure of vessels as follows: under 20 CV 868 pcs (account for 84,8%),
vessels 20 CV - <50 CV 127 pcs (12,4%), vessels from 50 CV - <90 CV 18
pcs (1,76%), vessels 90 CV 11 pcs (1,1%).
Table 2.3: The number of boats machine in Halong city to 2011
Unit: pcs
Number of vessels (by capacity)
< 20 CV
20 CV –
<50CV
50 CV – <90
CV
> 90 CV
Total
868

2.2.4.1. State of fishing ports, fish wharves, fish markets,
anchorage points
* Fishing ports:
Halong has very little fishing port. City has one port of JSC export -
import seafood Quang Ninh
* Landings fish:
Landings fish scattered throughout the city, including landing fish Cot 5,
Vung Dang, Cai Dam, Ha Long, Xa Cong (Ha Phong ward). Hardly landings
fish is not built, mainly based on natural conditions available to small capacity
ships in purchasing materials, products and anchoring exchange.
* Fish markets:
No has a specialized fish market construction. The trades took place on
the beach, fishing dock, boat port, fishery products traded with other goods in
the market or supermarket, commercial center.
* Areas anchoring avoid wind storm of fishing boats:
Pursuant to Decision No. 288/2005/QD-TTg dated 08/11/2005 of the
Prime Minister “On approval of adjustment planned for storm shelters for
fishing boats to 2010 and vision to the year 2020” [67] of Quang Ninh province
has six locations planning including Halong City. Anchorage area in Ha Long
Bay has been completed the survey stage, projects awaiting approval, funds
invested about 400 million VND.
2.2.4.2. State of fisheries services
The places supply network supplies, fishing gear and fishing equipment
for in Halong city formed spontaneously by the market mechanism. The supply
base is largely the store or dealer trading in small scattered in the ward and the
area around the landings fish.
2.2.4.3 Situation of aquaculture logistics services
* Production facilities - supply of aquatic resources:
Shrimp seed: seed enterprises Dai Yen and manufacturing & trading
company like Tuan Chau undertake to provide shrimp seed for the whole city.

Chay area), Dien Vong water plant (Area Hon Gai) ensuring daily needs.
2.3.3.2. State of investment on tourism
From 1996 - present, Ha Long City great attention invested in facilities
and infrastructure for tourism development. The face of the city has “change
meat” quickly. In recent years, Halong tourism industry attracts a significant
number of foreign investment, in the period 2000 to 2004 alone total capital
amounted to 52.788.800 billion VND.
2.3.3. State of tourists and tourism revenue
2.3.3.1. Current status of tourists
Halong tourism has many positive changes. Average growth rate of
tourists reached 20,97% /year for the period 2000 - 2005.

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Table 2.5: The situation of tourists comes to Halong period 2005 – 2010
Unit: visitors
Year
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
Total
1.700.000
1.900.000
2.100.000
2.850.000
2.950.000
3.000.000
Domestic visitors

accommodation establishments 4-star standard, 15 basis the evaluation standard
3-star, 2-star standard base 26 and base 17 basis the evaluation standar 1-star
[41,pg.1]…Total number of rooms in all accommodation establishments of the
city is 8,589 rooms, representing 65,93% of the province stay.
2.3.4.3. Current status of dining services
Food service establishments in the city is very diverse, mainly in the city
center of Ha Long and Bai Chay tourist. Most of the restaurants, bars, cafes
meet the needs of tourists, Bai Chay area alone has 75 restaurants, with the
ability to simultaneously welcome 10.800 tourists.
2.3.4.4. Current status of souvenirs services
Products souvenir goods is weak, Ha Long has not created the branding
products typical of the area.
2.3.4.5. Current status of entertainment services
The type of entertainment but meet the needs of the domestic passenger
market, but has yet to attract foreign visitors. By, the service is not really
attractive, research the needs of foreign markets are not careful.

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2.3.4.6. Current status of tourist transport service
Means of transporting tourists visit Halong mainly cars and cruise ships.
In addition to transport visitors are cruise ship, Halong additional means of
transportation combined forms of entertainment such as: seaplane, helicopter,
kayak, etc. In general, the size and comfort on board Ha Long tourist not meet
the needs of the type of tourism workshops and conferences across the bay.
2.3.5. Labour in the tourism sector
Current tourism of Halong city are very lack of managerial staff in hotels,
motels, resorts qualifications, lack of qualified labor force skilled, lack the
professional foreign language, computer proficient, professional staff in the
field of travel, travel guide is missing and can not meet the demand.
2.4. Development situation of marine traffic- transport

Hon Gai port ships used to transport passengers traveling, North-South,
combined with clean transportation. Ben is capable of receiving vessels 80
thousand to 100 thousand GRT.
2.4.1.3. Inland waterway transport
Currently the area of Halong city has13 inland waterway terminals. The
side was announced open but infrastructure has not been synchronized.
2.4.2. Traffic routes on the sea
Marine traffic routes in Halong are classified into two main categories:
The route in Ha Long Bay and surrounding areas (by 7 major routes); waterway
outside the province.
2.4.3. Mechanics serve marine economy
Prior to 2000, due to difficulties in the market, ship building and ship
repair industry developed slowly. After 2000 are more favorable to industry
development. In recent years, shipbuilding difficult by Vinashin Shipbuilding
Industry Group went bankrupt, but the shipbuilding facilities in Ha Long are
trying to strive to overcome difficulties. Shipbuilding facilities in Ha Long Bay
are focused technology intensive investment in, shipbuilding capacity building
associated with the development of supporting industries.
2.5. Situation development of support services for marine economy
economy
2.5.1. Bank and finance services
Currently, only the individual city projects are being implemented, the
total capital raised by these large projects of over 2,8 billion USD. This proves
that if you have the determination and take advantage of development
opportunities, Halong its full tourism potential of a city of international stature.
2.5.2. Maritime services, communication
Information maritime economy: network consists of the Company's
marine economic information network maritime Vishiptel and
telecommunications for fishing boats
- The communication system: has been upgraded and spread all over the

* A number of other activities:
Number of floating house on the Halong Bay is a concern for the
environment. According 2007 some home anchorage floating house on the Bay
618 floating house, then in 2011 to 650, making it difficult for the management
of the authorities, as well as control sources of waste at sea.
2.8. General assessment on the marine economic development in Halong
city based on SWOT analysis
2.8.1. Strengths
Marine economy of Halong city in recent years has thrived on tourism,
marine transportation, marine mining, aquaculture. This will be favorable
conditions for economic development-oriented synthesis sea in the future.
2.8.2. Weaknesses
Halong marine economic development is not commensurate with the
advantages and potential of the region. Sea mining technology was outdated,
productivity, quality and efficiency is not high. The marine economic

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development don't create links. So, it can't promote a comprehensive,
synchronized.
2.8.3. Opportunities
- Background in politically stable countries, as well as the development in
the reform era and basically has many advantages for long-term economic
development of the city in general and the marine economy in particular.
- Party and State of Vietnam are very interested in marine economic
development. These are favorable conditions for marine economic development
Halong in the future.
- According to the Government Decision No. 145: development of Van
Don became a synthesis marine economic zone and national marine ecology,
create a new development space for Quang Ninh, alleviate environmental
pressure for Halong city.

foreign investment, increasing integration, the fight competition to maintain
security and defense
Specialization each fishery, tourism, sea transport to improve production
efficiency, improve economic efficiency, reduce costs and labor time,
production. Along with specialization, the need to promote integrated
development of marine economy in order to efficiently exploit the potential of
the sea of Ha Long.
3.1.2. Full exploitation of the special advantages of the sea area and
coastal
In the near future need to fully exploit the advantages of the region
promoting the exchange with provinces and integration with the world and the
region. The specific direction to explore include:
* Continue the construction major seaport exchange hub and transit in the
region:
* Figure into Fisheries logistics zone in Ha Phong Ward
3.1.3. Transforming Halong city into a dynamic marine economy center
Marine economic center of Ha Long associated with modern technical
infrastructure, the port system to grow and develop integrated tourism and
marine services. Close cooperation between developing marine tourism with
sightseeing monuments, scenic spots.
3.1.4. Development orientation of the fisheries sector
+ Restructure vocational exploitation: exploitation development of
offshore .
+ Mining must go hand in hand with the protection of aquatic resources
+ Investment in infrastructure, training human resources, building of
logistics
+ Establishment of new institutions in the direction of collective
organization: production teams cooperate to improve the efficiency of
production of seafood.
+ Development of aquaculture on all types: freshwater, saltwater,

- Diversification of tourist services to increase the volume of tourists as
well as time stay of tourists
- Enhance the training of human resources for the tourism, qualified
professional, foreign languages as well as management skills.
- Continue to strengthen the marketing promotion of tourism in the city
that took the image of Ha Long Bay as a symbol.
3.1.6. Development orientation of marine traffic - transport
Cai Lan port is located in the northern port group. This is one of the
important seaport of Vietnam. In the near future, port construction completed
phase II, add six berths. Lift capacity go up of 20-21 million tons/ year in 2015.
- Hon Gai port turned into international passenger port, integrated tourism
service.
- Cau Trang coal port remain hold in the old scale

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- Petroleum B12 port should have a plan to move out of the city.
3.1.7. Development orientation of port-related industries
Development of shipbuilding mechanical, need capacity building for Ha
Long shipyard and shipbuilding companies TKV done vessel is the vessel with
a tonnage of over 50.000 tons.
3.1.8. Development orientation of services associated with marine
economy
* Development of finance and banking services:
Encourage investment, attract domestic and foreign investors to develop a
number of banks. Upgrade banking system on the city in a synchronization and
modern. Create a favorable environment for the development of financial
services to set up gold exchanges, foreign exchange, securities.
* The development of transportation, infomations
Expand the types of port services such as: supply, ship repair and marine
agents, pilots, leasing warehouses, ports, yards. Complete Cai Lan, Hon Gai,