Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has authorized the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau to host the 2012 International Seaport Festival.

The festival is scheduled to take place from April 27-29 with a variety of activities, including a carnival program, an amateur golf tournament, a sea, ship and island photography exhibition, an international seminar on seaport development and investment, and music and dance performances.

The event aims to implement the Government’s policy on Vietnam’s maritime economic development strategy and raise public awareness of the country’s sea and island sovereignty. It will also highlight the leading role of the maritimesector in Vietnam’s national economy, security and national defence.

The Government leader asked Ba Ria-Vung Tau province to cooperate with relevant agencies to organize the festival in a safe and effective manner.

He also urged the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to work with other ministries and bodies to introduce regulations on festival management for his consideration and approval as soon as possible.