QUẢNG BÌNH — The central province of Quảng Bình is calling for investments on a list of 48 projects with a total expected value of over VNĐ50 trillion (US$2.2 billion).

The list, which was approved by the province for the 2018-20 period, is projected to cover more than 8,000ha of land, with a focus on tourism, trade and services, industry, and agriculture, as well as education and health care. 

Notably, 14 projects in tourism and trade and services, including coastal and ecological tourism and resort complexes, are expected to raise over VNĐ37 trillion in investments. These are considered high-value projects that will create many jobs, increase the local budget, and foster tourism development in the province. 

Quảng Bình is also calling for over VNĐ8 trillion in investments in the field of industry through five projects in wind and solar power, electrical and electronic production and assembly, telecommunications, and lighting equipment manufacturing, as well as auto assembly. 

Together with the approval of the list, the province has also instructed relevant agencies and localities to prepare information of the projects and increase promotional activities to lure domestic and foreign investors. Quảng Bình has also pledged to provide the best conditions for investors. 

Quảng Bình has over time made efforts to promote investment in the province, especially in tourism and trade projects.

Since 2016, the province has attracted billions of US dollars in investments in the field of tourism, trade, and services. With a range of beautiful natural landscapes, religious tourism destinations, and historical relic sites, the province holds great potential for tourism development. 

According to the provincial Department of Tourism, Quảng Bình welcomed 3.3 million visitors in 2017, up 70.9 per cent against the same period last year. This figure includes 130,000 international tourists, up 156 per cent from last year, with the tourism sector grossing over VNĐ3.7 trillion ($161.8 million) in revenues. 

The province has welcomed over 727,000 tourists in the first quarter of 2018, a year-on-year rise of 12 per cent, while raking in VNĐ820 billion in tourism revenues. Quảng Bình has set a target of welcoming 3.5 million tourists, including 120,000 foreigners, in 2018. — VNS