(HBO) - Within the framework of the Equitable Alliances for Livelihoods (EQUAL) of Ethnic Minorities, the Standing Board of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Hoa Binh province, in collaboration with the Action on Poverty (AOP) organisation, held a workshop discussing measures to boost economic development in Hoa Binh Lake region in combination with community-based tourism and aquaculture. Representatives from provincial departments, sectors, districts, Hoa Binh city and several relevant communes attended the event.
An overview of the workshop.
Eleven reports were delivered at the
workshop, with discussions focusing on development planning of the Hoa Binh
Lake national tourist site and development orientations, Hoa Binh lake aquaculture
development planning, management of water drainage and its impact on
aquaculture and tourism, management of resources of Hoa Binh lake, and
experience of Da Bac and Tan Lac districts and several communes.
Speeches highlighted the important role and
potential of the lake, particularly in tourism and aquaculture development.
Over the past times, tourism in general and community-based tourism in
particular in the Hoa Binh lake region has developed strongly. Several
community-based tourism hamlets such as Da Bia and Ke in Da Bac district and
Ngoi in Tan Lac district have gradually become famous in the tourism map. Aquaculture
on the lake has expanded, with more than 4,200 fish cages.
The workshop also discussed difficulties
and challenges in the exploitation and development of Hoa Binh lake’s resources
such as the development of tourism and aquaculture failing to meet potential,
and the lack of several criteria to turn it into a national tourism site, and
those related to environmental protection, infrastructure and cultural
identities of ethnic minority groups and livelihoods of locals.
Participants proposed several solutions,
mechanisms and policies to increase the efficiency of cooperation in the
exploitation and development of resources: investment and development of
infrastructure connecting roads and waterways, opening of new tours, supporting
the building of community-based tourism models, the establishment of linkage
chains of farm produce production and consumption, and strengthening the
promotion of tourism and local specialties./.
Maximizing local potential and advantages, Yen Tri commune in Yen Thuy district is actively promoting the cultivation of medicinal herbs and turning medicinal herbs into One Commune - One Product (OCOP) products.
Situated at the gateway to the Northwest, Hoa Binh province has a population of over 900,000, including about 540,000 of working age. It is home to 6,000 businesses and production facilities, providing employment for over 100,000 workers. The remaining workforce is engaged in informal jobs, works in enterprises outside the province, or contributes to agro-forestry-fisheries. Additionally, around 3,000 workers are employed abroad.
The Hoa Binh provincial People's Committee has issued Decision No. 2767/QD-UBND announcing the rankings of departments, agencies, districts and Hoa Binh city in the Public Administration Reform Index (PAR) and the Satisfaction Index of Public Administration Services (SIPAS) in 2024.
The cultivation of Dam Xanh fish (Bangana lemassoni), a unique fish species, has seen remarkable growth in Mai Chau district, thanks to its high economic value and effectiveness. Initially concentrated in Van Mai commune, farming has now extended to four other communes, namely Mai Hich, Mai Ha, Chieng Chau, and Son Thuy. These areas benefit from pristine underground water flowing from mountain crevices, providing ideal conditions for raising this specialty fish.
In 2024, the total state budget revenue of Hoa Binh Province is estimated at approximately VND 6,930 billion, achieving 183% of the Government’s target, 126% of the target assigned by the Provincial People's Council, and 145% compared to the same period last year.
In 2024, Hoa Binh province has shown signs of improvement in attracting investment and developing enterprises.