{
  "id": 19300920,
  "title": "HCMC vows to protect Can Gio environment amid development plans",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/10/hcmc-vows-to-protect-can-gio-environment-amid-development-plans",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-11-10T07:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "VnExpress Business",
    "slug": "vnexpress-business",
    "url": "https://e.vnexpress.net/news/business/hcmc-vows-to-protect-can-gio-environment-amid-development-plans-5142473.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ho Chi Minh City is committed to safeguarding the environment while transforming Can Gio into a hub for maritime trade, logistics, and tourism, officials have declared. This coastal region is poised to assume a more prominent role in the city's burgeoning maritime economy, with projects including an international transshipment port, logistics infrastructure, and tourism initiatives. Striking a balance between development and mangrove preservation is a significant challenge. At the 13th conference of the World Network of Island and Coastal Biosphere Reserves, Bui Minh Thanh, vice chairman of Ho Chi Minh City's People's Committee, highlighted the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve as a vital natural asset. It plays a crucial role in preserving biodiversity, regulating climate, fortifying coastlines, and supporting local livelihoods, he noted. Following its administrative expansion, Ho Chi Minh City spans over 6,700 square kilometers and houses nearly 15 million residents. Thanh emphasized that the city's expanded development footprint also entails a heightened responsibility for environmental protection. The city's goal is to develop Can Gio into a green, smart, and environmentally friendly coastal urban area while maintaining its ecosystem and promoting ecotourism. The city's priorities for cooperation include aligning urban development with nature, leveraging science, technology, and green finance for conservation, and placing people and local communities at the forefront of sustainable development. Ports and tourism projects are central to the city's development plans through 2030. Among these, the Can Gio International Transshipment Port, linked to a free trade zone, stands out. Spanning approximately 571 hectares and requiring around US$5 billion in investment, the port aims to boost international cargo transshipment capacity and bolster port services and logistics. Additionally, the city intends to establish a coastal and island tourism network by connecting Can Gio with Vung Tau and Con Dao. Other priorities encompass high-tech marine aquaculture, advanced seafood processing, and product traceability. By 2030, Ho Chi Minh City projects an 8% annual increase in marine aquaculture production value and a 14% surge in coastal and island tourism revenue. Nonetheless, experts advocate for conservation to be integrated into development planning from the outset. They argue that coastal and island regions harbor valuable ecosystems that connect land and marine environments. While rapid development in these areas presents complex management challenges, ecotourism could offer growth opportunities for locals, provided they engage in guiding tourists, offering services, and crafting local products. However, tourism expansion must remain within the environmental carrying capacity of each area. Furthermore, experts stress the need for better waste management, measures to minimize impacts on fragile ecosystems, and funding for conservation through ecosystem services and carbon markets. These strategies could fuel economic activity while preserving the region's natural resources.",
  "summary": "Ho Chi Minh City plans to develop Can Gio into a maritime trade, logistics and tourism hub while preserving its mangrove ecosystem.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}