Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has approved the building of a US$1 billion "ecological" complex on Vu Yen Island in northern Hai Phong City.

The project had been proposed by real estate developer Vingroup, first to the Ministry of Construction and then the Prime Minister.

The island will be developed into an "ecological zone" with villas, a 36-hole golf course, and amusement parks. The complex, with an investment of VND22,700 billion (more than US$1 billion), will be spread over an area of ​​872 hectares in the districts of Thuy Nguyen and Hai An. The site is crisscrossed by three different rivers – Ruot Lon, Bach Dang and Cam.

Dung has directed the Hai Phong City People's Committee to work closely with the Ministry of Construction and other relevant agencies to ensure that regulations are followed in choosing the project investor.

He has also asked the Construction Ministry and other agencies to supervise construction of the complex, ensuring again that all relevant laws are followed and the project proceeds apace.

Hai Phong Chairman Le Van Thanh said the island had a prime location that would serve the city's development in the future. He said the complex would not only serve local demand, but also attract more tourists to the city.

He added that to attract more visitors, a luxury marina, dock, five-star hotel, a casino and a cable car system should be added to the project plan.

VNS