On 14/7, the Can Tho City Party Committee Standing Board approved the principle of further research and refinement of the general planning proposal for the Tran De sea encroachment. This initiative was put forth by Xuan Thien Group Joint Stock Company, following their comprehensive proposal for a significant development project.

The proposed project complex spans approximately 132,600 ha, with its core being the sea encroachment area in Tran De and Cu Lao Dung. This ambitious undertaking envisions a deep-water port capable of receiving 250,000 DWT vessels, offshore wind power with an estimated capacity of 10,000 MW, a shipyard, a sugarcane raw material area linked to a sugar factory, and three steel mills.

The total estimated investment for the project is approximately 390,000 billion VND (15 billion USD), with an implementation period of approximately 10 years from the date the sea area is allocated. Xuan Thien Group estimates that once stable operations begin, the complex could contribute approximately 20,000 billion VND annually to the budget and create jobs for approximately 100,000 workers.

Diagram of the Tran De sea encroachment project complex. Photo: Thao Thien

According to the City Party Committee, this initiative represents a strategic vision for Can Tho. It aligns with the city's direction to enhance its central role in the region, exploit its potential, and expand its development space. The enterprise has also requested the city to approve the principle of researching and surveying sea encroachment in Tran De and Cu Lao Dung, and to include this area in the Tran De Economic Zone master plan and the socio-economic development plan of Can Tho City for the 2026-2031 period, with a vision to 2050.

However, current regulations on urban and rural planning do not yet cover sea encroachment projects, according to the Can Tho City People's Committee. As this is a new project with a significant impact on the city's development orientation, the local authorities have requested ministries and sectors to provide guidance on the implementation procedures. The Standing Board has assigned the Party Committee of the City People's Committee to direct relevant departments and agencies to coordinate with Xuan Thien Group to review the legal basis, assess feasibility, and ensure compliance with current plans and regulations. They are also tasked with working with ministries and sectors to finalize the proposal within their authority.

Perspective view of the 18 km long Tran De offshore port bridge. Photo: Can Tho City People's Committee Information Portal

Tran De is a coastal locality situated on the Southern Hau River national highway axis, connecting Can Tho City and Ca Mau. The area boasts 12 km of coastline, offering significant potential for tourism and marine economic development. Tran De Port is expected to connect the Mekong Delta economy with international maritime routes via the East Sea, serving as a breakthrough for rapidly transporting goods from Western provinces to other countries.