Vũng Rô - a place associated with the glorious feats of the Ho Chi Minh Trail at sea, is a shining symbol of patriotism, bravery and solidarity of the Vietnamese people. During the years of resistance against the US to save our country, the army and people of Phu Yen received 4 No-number ships to dock, promptly providing weapons and equipment to the Phu Yen battlefield and the provinces of Khanh Hoa and Dak Lak, contributing decisively to the overall victory of the resistance war.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and the Central delegation visiting Vũng Rô relic

Promoting the spirit of Vũng Rô, the historical lessons of solidarity, determination, intelligence, courage, creativity and boldness that created the legend of Vũng Rô 60 years ago, will be the driving force for today's generation to firmly protect the sovereignty of the sea and islands, develop the economy, and build a prosperous homeland of Phu Yen.

Historical lessons and priceless spiritual heritage

The No-number ships, with the bravery of the crew, not only overcame the fierce waves but also confronted and faced the enemy with modern equipment who were closely monitoring. Vũng Rô has become a symbol of loyalty and indomitable will, a living proof of the spirit "Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom".

The success of receiving 3 No-number ships to Vũng Rô Wharf has left valuable lessons that are never out of date, namely: Solidarity between the army and the people, determination, and unity of action. The successful No-number ships cannot be without the protection and support of the people, fishermen at sea, local laborers, and the receiving wharf. That is the spirit of creativity and flexible adaptation. The No-number ships operating secretly and flexibly in all circumstances have left great lessons in creative thinking.

Choosing to open Vũng Rô Wharf, a location under the dense control of the enemy, was a very bold innovation, creating an element of surprise, along with the ingenuity and flexibility of the wharf and the ship, which organized the reception of 4 ships, with nearly 300 tons of weapons, to promptly support the battlefield to win. That was the spirit of daring to think, daring to do, daring to take responsibility of the soldiers of the No-number ships and Vũng Rô Wharf who dared to carry out and determined to carry out the seemingly impossible task.

In the book The Legend of the Ho Chi Minh Trail at Sea, published by the Literature Publishing House in June 2024, General Phan Van Giang, Politburo Member and Minister of National Defense, had an important article "Ho Chi Minh Trail at Sea - Lessons for the cause of building and defending the Fatherland today".

In which, he emphasized that we need to preserve and promote the tradition of the No-number ship of the past; thoroughly grasp and effectively implement the viewpoint and goal: "Resolutely and persistently protect independence, sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, sea, islands, and airspace; maintain a peaceful and stable environment for national development" (Documents of the 13th National Party Congress). In order to protect sovereignty over seas and islands, it is necessary to: "Resolutely adhere to strategic principles, be flexible in tactics"; be strong and determined in fighting, flexible and supple in handling situations; take firmly protecting sovereignty, national and ethnic interests, maintain a peaceful and stable environment for national construction and development as the ultimate goal. Implement the Strategy for National Defense in the New Situation, the Law of the Sea of ​​Vietnam, the strategy for sustainable development of Vietnam's marine economy to 2030, with a vision to 2045..., strive to make our country a strong maritime nation, enrich ourselves from the sea, maintain a peaceful and stable environment in the seas and islands, contributing to building and firmly protecting the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Promoting the spirit of Vũng Rô and valuable lessons on the strength of military-civilian solidarity is to protect the sovereignty of the sea and islands, building a national defense posture for all people in the current situation. Being creative, adapting flexibly, daring to think, daring to do, being resolute, boldly innovating, attracting large projects, making Dong Hoa town and Phu Yen province become a bright spot for regional economic development.

Potential for economic and tourism development

With its strategic geographical location in the south of the province, Vũng Rô is one of the areas with outstanding potential for developing the marine economy and attracting investment. Some factors that create the special attraction of this area are the deep-water port of Vũng Rô.

This is one of the few natural seaports in Vietnam, with an ideal depth to receive large ships. Developing Vũng Rô port into a modern logistics center will facilitate international trade, especially the export of agricultural and aquatic products and processed industry from Phu Yen and the Central Highlands region.

With a connecting traffic infrastructure, Vũng Rô is close to National Highway 1 and the North-South railway, and not far from Tuy Hoa airport, creating favorable conditions for transporting goods and traveling conveniently; it is the gateway to the East Sea of ​​the Central Highlands provinces.

Vũng Rô sea area is not only rich in seafood resources but also possesses beautiful, pristine landscapes, very suitable for developing resort tourism and eco-tourism. This place is associated with a cluster of scenic spots: Vũng Rô - Bãi Môn Mũi Điện – Cả Pass, Đá Bia mountain, creating a majestic space, adjacent mountains and seas.

The strengths of geographical location, natural resources and humanities are good conditions for developing many types of economy, associated with the sea: deep-water ports, logistics, exploitation, offshore aquaculture, sea tourism..., becoming an economic lever not only of Dong Hoa town, but also of Phu Yen province and expanding regional linkages with neighboring provinces, especially the Central Highlands provinces.

Phu Yen province planning for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050, orients that Phu Yen will develop logistics centers associated with Tuy Hoa airport, Vũng Rô port, Bai Goc deep-water port and Dong Hoa ICD dry port; forming logistics centers associated with major urban areas of the province and industrial parks in the area; focusing on building infrastructure to support multimodal transport such as freight stations for trains and a system of roads, connecting roads with the North-South expressway...

In recent years, Dong Hoa town has witnessed strong investment in infrastructure, the urban area has transformed from a district into a town. In planning, as well as development orientation, Dong Hoa town has numerous strengths, of which the highlight is the Southern Phu Yen Economic Zone and Vũng Rô.

Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, Mr Ta Anh Tuan informed: Phu Yen focuses on economic development based on potential advantages with 3 pillars: Industry, services and agriculture. In which, industry prioritizes metallurgy, petrochemical refining, energy, chemicals; processing of agricultural, forestry and aquatic products; mechanical engineering - manufacturing; production of products with digital technology..., developing in the South, with the core being the Southern Phu Yen Economic Zone with the advantage of Bãi Gốc and Vũng Rô ports. “The Southern Phu Yen Economic Zone will be the heart and driving force to promote the province’s socio-economic development.

The Provincial People’s Committee has directed to strengthen investment promotion activities to be truly effective. Currently, numerous large investors are interested in and approaching to study investment in the province such as: Bãi Gốc Port Project, Steel Complex in Hoa Tam Industrial Park, investment in construction and business of infrastructure in Hoa Tam Industrial Park...”, Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee, Mr Ta Anh Tuan emphasized.

Source: Phu Yen Newspaper

Translated by HAI LOAN