A lobster farm on Vân Phong Bay, Khánh Hoà Province. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — The implementation of the Bắc Vân Phong Special Economic Zone masterplan in the south-central province of Khánh Hoà has been temporarily suspended following Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc’s order. 

The masterplan’s resumption will be considered once the Law on Special Administrative-Economic Units is approved by the National Assembly. 

The bill, slated to be passed in 2018, was controversial due to national security concerns over a stipulation which would allow foreign investors to lease land for up to 99 years in three special economic zones. The Vietnamese parliament had to postpone the bill pending revisions. 

In the meantime, Prime Minister asked Khánh Hoà Province People’s Committee to accelerate the development of the provincial planning between 2021 and 2030, as well as adjust the general planning on the construction of Vân Phong Economic Zone.

The provincial People’s Committee said it had drafted tasks and prepared to select planning consultancy contractors for the Bắc Vân Phong Special Zone project. However, these procedures have been disrupted as the Law on Special Administrative-Economic Units, the legal basis for the plans, has not yet been adopted. 

According to the tentative plan, Bắc Vân Phong Special Economic Zone will include a non-tariff area of 920ha along with facilities and industrial centres outside of the non-tariff area such as Dốc Đá Trắng Industrial Manufacturing Area of 300ha. — VNS