Tourists enjoy Phu Quoc sea in Kien Giang Province. An international port for tourist cruisers is set to be built on Phu Quoc Island by 2017. — Photo phuquocsensetravel.com

Kien Giang authorities have agreed to locate the project at Duong Dong Town in the Phu Quoc island district. They will use about VND647 billion ($30.81 million) from the provincial budget, while seeking the remaining amount from Government finances and land reserves for implementing the project.

The port will cover an area of 180ha, including 162ha of water. It will be able to serve tourist cruisers with up to 6,000 passengers and ships carrying up to 15,000 tonnes of cargo, once it becomes operational. It is expected to receive 105,000 to 190,000 visitors per year by 2020, and 350,000 to 550,000 annual visitors by 2030.

The authorities said the key infrastructure project would open up more opportunities for business exchange with other countries, and foster the socio-economic development of the Mekong Delta.

Phu Quoc offers advantages in terms of geography, climate, nature and society, as well as economy, for the development of a maritime economy, especially diversified tourism services.

According to a master development plan approved by the Government, the island will act as a special economic zone and a centre for high-quality eco-tourism, offer trade and luxury services and will be known as a high-tech area in the region and the world. — VNS