The 418-hectare high-tech agricultural zone for shrimp development, located in Hiep Thanh ward (formerly Bac Lieu province), was approved by the Prime Minister in 2017. Its objective was to research, transfer technology, and develop a modern shrimp industry value chain.
In phase one, the province invested 175 billion VND in infrastructure, including roads, electricity, and water supply and drainage systems. Three years later, the former Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development allocated an additional 194 billion VND to construct an operations building, research facilities, testing laboratories, a wastewater treatment area, and internal infrastructure.
According to Pham Hoang Minh, Director of the Management Board, the main components are largely complete and have been accepted, but no businesses have commenced production.
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Infrastructure at the high-tech shrimp farming zone is complete. Photo: An Minh |
In 2020, the province selected nine businesses to invest in high-tech shrimp farming, microbial production, breeding, and shrimp feed. However, without land use certificates, these businesses could not implement their projects. After years of waiting, some entities have withdrawn or relocated to other sites.
The Management Board explained that the locality previously lacked a legal basis for land allocation because high-tech land use targets had not been approved. This obstacle will be resolved when the Land Law 2024 comes into effect.
However, the high-tech zone still needs to finalize its sub-zone planning. Additionally, its operational model as a public service unit restricts the Management Board's functions compared to those of an industrial or economic zone.
The Management Board has recommended that the province swiftly approve the list of investment solicitations to allow businesses to begin construction during the dry season, as the alluvial soil area often experiences deep flooding in the rainy season.
Le Van Su, Vice Chairman of Ca Mau Provincial People's Committee, stated that the high-tech zone's operational structure is incomplete, lacks personnel, and previous investment solicitations were non-compliant, requiring a restart and delaying progress.
Following the provincial merger, Ca Mau is reviewing documents, resolving issues, and adding staff to the Management Board to activate the zone promptly and prevent investment waste.
Ca Mau currently boasts over 420,000 hectares of shrimp farms, producing over 900,000 tons annually. By 2025, the province's shrimp exports are projected to reach approximately 2.5 billion USD.
Chuc Ly
