Golfers play at Phan Thiet golf course in the central coastal province of Binh Thuan. The provincial Standing Party Committee has agreed to let its People's Committee convert the golf course into an urban area. — Photo bizlive.vn

BINH THUAN (Biz Hub) — The central coastal province of Binh Thuan's Standing Party Committee has agreed to let its People's Committee convert the Phan Thiet golf course into an urban area.

The Standing Party Committee asked its investor, the Rang Dong Group, to ensure that the move benefits the government and the community, and guarantees efficiency in business and environmental issues.

The committee will submit its report to the Prime Minister to request permission for the conversion. If the Government approves, the investor and the provincial People's Committee have to carry out certain requirements, such as ensuring a smooth flow of traffic and connecting the area to the surrounding zone. They have also been asked to invest in building parks and constructions for the community.

The investors are required to resolve issues related to the benefits for golfers and employees working at the course.

The provincial People's Committee has been asked to strictly and legally implement the aforementioned requirements and necessary steps.

The golf course, located in Phan Thiet city's Phu Thuy and Thanh Hai districts, is part of the Ocean Dune Golf Club project, spread over an area of nearly 63 hectares. It was built in 1994 by American billionaire Larry Hillblom and was inaugurated in 1997. The project was transferred to many investors before the Rang Dong Group took control in 2013.

On March 1, the corporation's chairman Nguyen Van Dong officially notified its decision to close the golf course on April 1 to change its business strategy. The group also asked the province to convert the golf course into a park and an urban area. The provincial People's Committee then approved its conversion. — VNS