Ha Long Bay was first recognised as a world natural heritage site by UNESCO in 1994. (Photo: VNA)

The event, organised in the city by the Institute of Economics under the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, was one of activities to celebrate 30 years since Ha Long Bay was first recognised as a world natural heritage site by UNESCO.

The workshop attracted experts, scientists, officials, and representatives of international organisations as well as businesses, all seeking breakthrough solutions to build Ha Long into an economic growth engine in the North, and a world-class tourism and heritage centre.

Vu Quyet Tien, Secretary of the Ha Long Party Committee, said that the city is home to the world natural heritage of Ha Long Bay and 95 other historical and cultural relics.

The transition to a green economy, digital economy and heritage economy is now an inevitable trend and also a goal of many countries and localities worldwide to secure economic prosperity, environmental sustainability, and social safety and fairness, he said.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Kim, Vice Chairman of the National Cultural Heritage Council, suggested Ha Long city should soon conduct a survey to identify and evaluate the potential and values of Ha Long Bay and other heritage elements to make plans for preserving and capitalising on their values.

The basic goal is to unceasingly create new values for developing the heritage economy, and at the same time create a driving force for local socioeconomic development, he said.

Meanwhile, Assoc. Prof., Dr. Tran Dinh Thien, former Director of the Vietnam Institute of Economics, perceived that facing the challenges in preserving and developing the heritage site, it is an urgent need to have strong engagement of local authorities, sectors, and people in the management, preservation, and promotion of the world heritage site's values.

Other participants said the city's recent achievements provide an important prerequisite for it to develop a green economy, digital economy, and heritage economy in the new era – that of the nation's rise.