Authorities in Quang Ninh Province have said they were considering a proposal by the Bitexco Group to manage two local bays, Ha Long and Bai Tu Long for 50 years.

Ha Long Bay

When Ha Long Bay was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, management of the area became more difficult because of the higher standards and requirements that came with the title. The management board is compelled to conform to the suggestions made by UNESCO.

As a result, municipal authorities opened aspects of management and maintenance of the site to bidding by state-owned and private firms. 

Bitexco asked municipal authorities to allow them take over management of both bays and collect fees for 50 years. Upon receiving the proposal, Quang Ninh provincial authorities asked Bitexco to submit a comprehensive plan in August. They also asked the firm to work with relevant agencies in the province to gain a thorough understanding of the situation. 

During a meeting with Quang Ninh provincial authorities on July 22, Vu Quang Hoi, chairman of Bitexco, said they wanted to make Ha Long Bay into one of the top tourist destinations in East Asia and create an internationally recognised brand for Ha Long Bay. 

According to Nguyen Van Doc, chairman of Quang Ninh Province's People's Committee, they envision this as being a PPP project. In early 2014, the visiting fees at Ha Long Bay increased by 30%. However, the revenue from the bay only accounts for 2% of the province's total revenues.