Accompanying him were comrades Le Minh Hung - Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, Head of the Central Organization Committee; Bui Thi Minh Hoai - Chairman of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front; Politburo members: Nguyen Xuan Thang - Director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council; Nguyen Hoa Binh - Permanent Deputy Prime Minister of the Government; General Phan Van Giang - Deputy Secretary of the Central Military Commission, Minister of National Defense; General Luong Tam Quang - Minister of Public Security; Nguyen Duy Ngoc - Secretary of the Hanoi City Party Committee; members of the Secretariat, members of the Central Party, State, Party Committee, Central Committee, Central Committee, leaders of the Central Military Commission, leaders of the An Giang province, and leaders of the An Giang 9 armed forces in the An Giang area.
Speaking at the meeting, General Secretary To Lam shared the difficulties that the islanders face with many challenges, lack of electricity, fresh water, schools, and infirmaries. But all the people and officers and soldiers are brave people, sticking to the sea day and night, sticking to the islands, silently carrying the hardships to keep the Fatherland peaceful and developing.
The General Secretary said that the newly established Tho Chau special zone, with few islands, big waves, strong winds, and difficult transportation connecting islands is still a pillar to keep the Southwest sea and the border of the Fatherland peaceful.
The most valuable thing to affirm is that Tho Chau has solidarity and cohesion between the government and the people, the people trust the cadres, the cadres for the people. The next thing is that Tho Chau owns a primitive ecosystem with 80-90% of green carpets and clean seas. The fishing grounds are large, with high reserves, stable seas; unique sea and island landscapes suitable for eco-tourism.
The General Secretary emphasized: "Troccoo not only brings economic benefits but first of all, it is a particularly important defense strategic value. We are determined to strive to turn Tho Chau special zone into a proud, sustainable, pillar and development island of Vietnam, with the spirit of "Shipbuilding towards the big sea; protecting the sea, protecting the people, protecting the peace of the Fatherland".
General Secretary To Lam affirmed that in order to sustainably develop Tho Chau and improve people's lives, An Giang province needs to coordinate with the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Public Security and relevant ministries and branches to develop a Sustainable Development Plan for Tho Chau Special Zone in conjunction with ensuring national defense and security; focus on supporting feasibility studies to build stable residential areas, upgrade island roads and other traffic works; complete water source projects, study feasibility of electricity supply and telecommunications (can underground seaports connecting from the shore of Phu Quoc Special Zone).
Focus on the task of building Tho Chau special zone to stabilize the apparatus, operate smoothly with local authorities at both levels, and arrange fisheries order to ensure ecological balance; research and build a large-scale production - service area for purchasing and processing aquatic products. Absolutely do not let spontaneous farming recur, illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing violations. Research to attract investment within the scope of authority, focusing on research on high-tech marine farming, modern fisheries logistics...
The General Secretary suggested that the Ministry of National Defense focus on strengthening the sea-ice defense posture; studying the feasibility of building a dual-use airport, studying the feasibility of upgrading 2 dual-use fishing ports to serve fishing logistics; building Tho Chau into a strategic pillar in the Southwest defense system.
Strengthen the continuous defense posture with 3 strategic triangle fulcrums: Phu Quoc - Hon Khoai - Tho Chu; ensure 3 strategic zones: Strategic coastal area, strategic transitional triangle area and strategic perimeter area; invest in suitable radar, defense, rescue and naval logistics systems; strictly control residential areas and land, absolutely do not occupy national defense land to disrupt sustainable development structures.
The General Secretary noted that sustainable development is the goal and task of Party committees, authorities at all levels and people in Tho Chau special zone; must create and maintain an ecological and socio-economic balance; sustainable development associated with ensuring national defense and security; harmonious development of nature - society - people, and putting the welfare of the people at the center.
On this occasion, General Secretary To Lam and the working delegation respectfully offered flowers and incense at Tho Chau Temple. General Secretary To Lam presented souvenirs to the Party Committee, government and people of Tho Chau special zone; presented gifts to 2 units: Regiment 152 and Tho Chau Border Guard Station.
Tho Chau Special Zone in An Giang province consists of 8 islands, with a total natural area of 13.98km2, about 110km from Phu Quoc Special Zone, about 220km from the provincial administrative center; has an important strategic location, being the frontline islet area in the extreme southwest of the Fatherland.
