(VOVworld) – A conference took place in Hanoi on Thursday to discuss the implementation of a project to build national youth islands until 2020. The aim of the project is to encourage young people and families to be pioneers in exploiting the potential of Vietnam’s sea and islands and building a sustainable economy on the islands.

Nguyen Manh Dung, Secretary of Ho Chi Minh Youth Union chairs the meeting (Photo: doanthanhnien.vn)

Along with continued investment in Bach Long Vi Island in Hai Phong City and Con Co Island in Quang Tri province, three new islands named as National Youth Islands will be developed under a project recently approved by the Government.

Chairman of Con Co Island District Pham Thanh Binh says that since its establishment in 2002 youths have made an important contribution to developing the infrastructure, and improving the local residents’ living standards. Binh said: “the Ho Chi Minh Youth Union and its provincial branches and authorities in provinces that have islands have the right to choose their own plans to build Youth Islands. If we can reach a broad consensus on the plans, the implementation will be easier. We should guarantee a minimum standard of living for prospective islanders. Among young people who volunteer to settle in the islands, it’s necessary to select those who already know how to fish or can be trained to become core members of island communes.”

Members of Quang Ninh’s Youth Union visit a family in Tran Island (Photo: BQL)

The three new National Youth Islands are Tran Island in Quang Ninh province, Hon Chuoi Island in the southernmost province of Ca Mau, and Tho Chau Island in the southern province of Kien Giang. The development of these islands will begin early next year.