Van Phong: The next Hong Kong, London

Van Phong Bay, located in south central Vietnam (50 km north of Nha Trang) at the heart of Southeast Asia between Singapore and Hong Kong, has the potential to be one of the largest ports in the world. Blessed with a natural depth of 27-41m, it is the only strategic location in Vietnam where a deep-water International Container Transshipment Port (ICTP) can be built. How will an ICTP affect a country's economy? Look no further than Manhattan, London, Singapore and Hong Kong as examples. Proper development and protection of Van Phong will change the landscape of Asia and put Vietnam on the world's map.

In recent development, Posco a Korean company is moving forward with its plan to build a 1,000ha steel mill project right on the harbor of Van Phong, even with Vinashin pulled out of the joint-venture last month. The project is awaiting approval from the government, if approved it would be devastating to Van Phong's future as a mega-port-city. Van Phong is Vietnam's national treasure, and we call on all concerned parties and officials to safeguard it from special interest groups. For the long-term future of Vietnam, Posco's plan is simply unacceptable and should not be approved for short-term gain. A steel mill project can be built elsewhere in Vietnam, so why not work with Posco to find another suitable location? Secondly, Van Phong can serve strategically for national defence, and Vietnam's future naval operations and modern fleet.