Nam Dan: Tourism potential and opportunities to attract investment.

(Baonghean.vn)In the minds of the Vietnamese people, Nam Dan is a land of "spiritual and talented people," with a long and rich history, the cradle of many patriotic movements, and the birthplace of famous figures who made great contributions to the nation such as Mai Thuc Loan, Phan Boi Chau, and President Ho Chi Minh. This land also has rich and diverse tourism resources. In addition, Nam Dan has many opportunities to attract investment in the industrial, agricultural, and service sectors.

Rich in tourism potential

Starting from the bustling yet picturesque Sa Nam wharf – the center of the district – visitors will encounter historical and cultural relics in any direction. Most of the major relics here are associated with the names of famous national heroes and prominent figures. Not far west of Sa Nam wharf is the complex of temples and tombs of King Mai Thuc Loan, the hero who repelled the Tang invaders and established the Van An state in the 8th century. Currently, there are no documents recording the exact date of the temple's founding; it is only known that it was rebuilt in 1821, becoming grand and majestic. After a long period of destruction due to war and natural disasters, the temples and tombs of King Mai have undergone numerous restorations and renovations, restoring them to their original architectural style.

Pilgrimage to President Ho Chi Minh's hometown. Photo: SM

South of Sa Nam Wharf lies the right bank of the Lam River, a region renowned for its tradition of scholarship, silkworm farming, and captivating folk songs. This area boasts numerous historical, cultural, and spiritual relics, most notably the remnants of Luc Nien Citadel and the tomb of La Son Phu Tu Nguyen Thiep. Luc Nien Citadel, built by Le Loi on Thien Nhan Mountain in 1424, served as a crucial base for the Lam Son rebels to build a strong force to defeat the invading Ming army and liberate the country in the 15th century. To the northeast of Luc Nien Citadel, on Bui Phong Mountain, lies the tomb of La Son Phu Tu Nguyen Thiep – the foremost strategist of Emperor Quang Trung, a highly talented and virtuous scholar with a brilliant spirit. Additionally, there is Trung Can Temple, a cultural work of great architectural value, and Hoanh Son Temple – an ancient structure built in 1740, famous for its grandeur and exquisite carvings and decorations.

To the east of Ben Sa Nam lies the memorial area dedicated to the patriotic scholar Phan Boi Chau and the Kim Lien Historical Site, closely associated with the childhood of President Ho Chi Minh. Within the Kim Lien Historical Site complex is the Ho Chi Minh Memorial House and the first exhibition area in the country showcasing the biography and revolutionary life of President Ho Chi Minh to a wide audience. The Kim Lien Historical Site also includes the tomb of Mrs. Hoang Thi Loan, President Ho Chi Minh's mother, located on Dong Tranh peak, Dai Hue mountain...

To the north of Nam Dan town lies a dense concentration of historical relics. The ancient Duc Son Tu Pagoda in Van Dien commune preserves many valuable ancient artifacts, including statues of the Three Buddhas, Amitabha Triad, Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva, and Shakyamuni Buddha. Particularly noteworthy is the Dai Tue Pagoda, located on the highest peak of the Dai Hue mountain range. Legend says this pagoda was built during the reign of King Mai Hac De (8th century); in the 15th century, Ho Quy Ly had it rebuilt to worship the goddess Dai Tue. This pagoda is currently undergoing restoration and is expected to become one of the most beautiful and famous temples in the future. From this vantage point, visitors can see a panoramic view of a vast area stretching from Hon Ngu to Thanh Chuong, Hung Nguyen, and Nam Dan, from the majestic Hong Linh and Thien Nhan mountain ranges to the picturesque Lam Giang and La Giang rivers of Duc Tho and Nghi Xuan districts. Nam Dan is also famous for its natural landscapes such as Thanh Thuy Lake, Thung Kheo, and especially Trang Den Lake - a large lake surrounded by pine and acacia hills, with islands in the middle of the lake, making it very suitable for ecotourism and relaxation.

The entire district has over 7,500 hectares of forest, of which more than 3,000 hectares are associated with historical relics, creating a beautiful natural landscape that has been approved by the Prime Minister as a special-use forest plan linked to historical and cultural relics..., very suitable for developing ecotourism. Nam Dan also has traditional delicacies that tourists will remember forever after just one taste, such as soy sauce, rice cakes, clams, Lam River sardines, Dai Hue persimmons, cassava starch, Bau Non tilapia...; some dishes have become "brands" such as Nam Nghia tamarind meat and Cau Don goat meat. With 108 historical and cultural relics, including over 30 classified relics, many national-level historical relics, along with many other scenic spots and cultural values, it can be said that Nam Dan's tourism potential is enormous, and it has been and is affirming itself as an indispensable tourist destination in the cross-Vietnam travel itinerary.

Expanding investment opportunities

Located near Vinh City and situated in a highly advantageous geographical position, with National Highways 46 and 15A running through it, connecting to the Thanh Thuy border gate, and the Lam River (over 16 km long) and the Dao River running along the district to Ben Thuy Bridge, Nam Dan has relatively convenient transportation infrastructure. The district also boasts an abundant, diligent, and hardworking workforce. Currently, Nam Dan has three industrial clusters with synchronous infrastructure development underway: the Nam Giang industrial cluster (36.55 hectares), the Van Dien commune industrial cluster (10.63 hectares), and the Nam Thai commune small industrial zone (20 hectares). In addition, the Ru Bui industrial cluster in Khanh Son commune, covering 30 hectares, is currently undergoing planning stages.

Over the years, Nam Dan district has proactively and actively encouraged domestic and foreign businesses to invest in the construction and development of tourism and services in the area, while creating the best conditions to attract investors to industrial clusters. The district prioritizes projects to build factories producing clean, environmentally friendly industrial products, and factories processing agricultural products to consume agricultural products for farmers...

When investors approach, the district authorities quickly resolve all necessary procedures, creating a positive impression. To date, the district's industrial clusters have received numerous investment projects, most notably the Nam Thai Tunnel Brick Factory with a capacity of 60 million bricks per year; the Ru Bui Tunnel Brick Factory; and the Haivina Kim Lien Export Sportswear Factory, invested by Haivina Company (South Korea), with a total investment of nearly 10 million USD, employing approximately 3,500 workers; and the Nam Dan Hanosimex Textile and Garment Cluster, invested by Hanoi Textile and Garment Corporation with a total capital of over 1,000 billion VND, employing over 1,000 workers. These projects will increase production capacity, rapidly increase the proportion of the industrial sector, contribute to the correct shift in economic structure, and create opportunities for employment, increased income for workers, and increased local budget revenue.

Building on those initial successes, in 2011, Nam Dan focused on developing resolutions and specialized projects to effectively implement the Resolution of the 25th District Party Congress in areas such as crop restructuring, farm development, livestock breeding, aquaculture, tourism development, trade, building a model cultural district, improving the quality of education, and healthcare. In the field of attracting investment, the district issued a Resolution on attracting investment to develop industrial clusters in the district from 2011 to 2025, with consideration up to 2020.

The specific objectives are: Before 2015, complete the procedures for submitting the Rú Bùi Industrial Cluster plan to the competent authority for approval; gradually develop plans for new industrial clusters in the Nam Thanh - Nam Nghĩa and Nam Hưng - Nam Thái areas, striving for approval by the Provincial People's Committee by 2020; continue to secure funding to complete the infrastructure construction of the approved industrial clusters; promote investment in industrial clusters for the industries identified in the plan, striving to fill them by 2015-2020, prioritizing clean industrial projects and those that employ a large number of local workers. The district commits to creating the best conditions for domestic and foreign projects investing in industrial clusters in the area to achieve high efficiency. To expedite investment licensing procedures, land lease and allocation procedures, investment incentive support procedures, compensation and land clearance procedures so that investors can implement their projects as quickly and effectively as possible.

Mr. Thai Van Nong, Chairman of the People's Committee of Nam Dan District, said: Nam Dan always welcomes investors with investment incentive policies in accordance with regulations. For example, regarding land clearance support, in addition to the provincial budget support, the district budget will provide a portion of the funding for infrastructure construction, transportation, wastewater drainage, and centralized surface water management. Regarding labor support policies, businesses employing over 100 workers and self-training workers to meet or exceed standards will receive a subsidy of 300,000 VND per worker from the district budget for those with permanent residence and living in Nam Dan. A 30% subsidy on industrial property registration fees for designs and trademarks will also be provided, but not exceeding 30 million VND per business. Providing 30% of the approved funding for research projects and initiatives for businesses investing in technological innovation and improvement, applying scientific and industrial advancements to enhance product quality, and creating new products with market competitiveness...

According to Mr. Thai Van Nong, not only industrial projects but also agricultural projects applying scientific and technological advancements in seeds, cultivation methods, preservation, and improving the quality of specialty products are prioritized. The district also encourages and supports economic entities to invest in the development of tourism services, and encourages travel companies and large hotels to promote tourism and invest in business in the area...

Thanh Thuy - Thanh Chung