Part 2: Agricultural and service development - New direction in administrative planning

As the dragon fruit capital of Long An Province and home to rich traditional cultural assets such as the Thanh Phu Long ancient house complex and the Lam Chay Festival, etc. along with its location adjacent to the Vam Co river, the three newly merged communes — Tam Vu, An Luc Long, and Thuan My — form a harmonious picture of agricultural, service, and tourism development.

Tam Vu Commune - Center for high-tech agriculture and preservation of cultural values

Formed through the merger of Phu Ngai Tri, Hiep Thanh, Phuoc Tan Hung communes, and Tam Vu town, the new Tam Vu commune spans 43.5 km² and houses a population of 35,956. This consolidation not only marks a significant administrative milestone but also consolidates resources and potential, laying the groundwork for comprehensive regional advancement.

The name "Tam Vu" bears a strong historical imprint, symbolizing the spirit of solidarity and resilience of its inhabitants. The new administrative center is strategically located at the former Chau Thanh District People's Committee headquarters, benefiting from well-developed infrastructure. This central hub is poised to coordinate local activities efficiently, capitalize on its strategic location to drive development, enhance management and operational effectiveness, and serve as a focal point for economic and social initiatives, thereby promoting equitable growth throughout the commune.

In the future, Tam Vu aims to develop tourism linked to traditional festivals, thereby preserving and promoting its rich cultural heritage. This approach leverages local cultural assets to create unique tourism offerings that attract visitors while safeguarding regional identity. Additionally, portions of the commune will be designated for high-tech agricultural practices, aligning with modern production demands and enhancing residents' livelihoods.

In addition, supporting industries serving agriculture are also boosted, promoting synchronous development among economic sectors. The combination of high-tech agriculture and supporting industries will create a comprehensive agricultural value chain. This integrated value chain is expected to boost agricultural productivity and quality, stimulate related industries such as processing and logistics, and contribute to a diversified and sustainable local economy. Such diversification ensures resilience, generates employment opportunities, and improves living standards, steering Tam Vu towards comprehensive and sustainable development.

An Luc Long Commune - Inter-regional economic gateway and breakthrough agricultural potential

An Luc Long commune was merged from 3 communes: Duong Xuan Hoi, Long Tri, and the former An Luc Long. The newly established administrative unit covers an area of 33.75 km² and has a population of 29,485 residents. This is not only a geographical expansion but also a harmonious combination of natural elements, cultural traditions, and modern development orientation, creating a land rich in potential.

The administrative center is situated in Long Tri, adjacent to communes in Tien Giang Province (now part of Đong Thap Province post-merger), facilitating convenient trade and regional connectivity. This interprovincial location offers significant advantages for market expansion, enabling An Luc Long to access larger markets for its high-tech agricultural products and services, thereby enhancing trade and economic collaboration across regions.

With its strategic position in terms of national defense and security, An Luc Long commune plays a vital role in maintaining regional stability, contributing to a secure and sustainable living environment. Balancing its dual role as an economic center and security stronghold requires coordinated planning to ensure harmonious development.

Building on the historical legacies of its predecessor communes, An Lục Long is poised to become an economic focal point. The local agricultural sector will continue to evolve towards specialization and high-tech applications, aiming to increase productivity and product quality, thereby delivering sustainable value to farmers.

Concurrently, the commune will enhance its multi-sector commercial services and agricultural support industries, contributing to a comprehensive local economy. This fusion of tradition and innovation fosters a unique identity that preserves core values while aligning with broader provincial and regional development trends, laying a solid foundation for An Lục Long's future growth.

Thuan My Commune - Developing sustainable agriculture and river tourism

In the context of administrative boundary reform, Thuan My Commune was newly established through the merger of three communes—Thanh Phu Long, Thanh Vinh Dong, and Thuan My—marking the beginning of a new chapter in the development of this promising region. With a total area of 53.37km² and a population of 39,330 people, the new Thuan My commune benefits from increased resources and strength. This unification provides a broader platform for coordinated planning and development, maximizing the unique strengths of each area. Retaining the name "Thuan My" affirms a sense of continuity and honors the region’s longstanding cultural and historical traditions.

The administrative center is situated in Thuan My, bordering the newly merged Vam Co and Can Duoc communes—areas known for robust economic development and numerous opportunities for cooperation, investment, and trade. Leveraging the growth of these neighboring communes is essential, allowing Thuan My to draw on their experiences, attract investments, and expand its markets through connections with dynamic economic zones.

The new Thuan My Commune will prioritize high-tech agricultural development to enhance productivity and product quality, while promoting integrated models that combine agriculture, aquaculture, and industry. The expansion of agricultural support industries will optimize production chains, fostering sustainable economic growth.

This strategy aims to develop an integrated value chain, spanning from agricultural production to processing and tourism, thereby creating a diverse and sustainable economy. In addition, with a favorable location, bordering the Vam Co River, Thuan My commune also has ideal conditions to develop experiential tourism associated with agriculture and aquaculture.

Modern farms and innovative production models not only provide income for residents but also serve as attractive destinations for tourists seeking to explore local culture. Utilizing the Vam Co river enhances not only tourism but also waterway trade, offering additional channels for goods transportation and economic connectivity. The integration of modern agriculture and ecological tourism promises to bring a new look to Thuan My, where tradition and modernity blend./.

(to be continued)

Reported by Nhat Quang

Translated by NT