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Trump-Branded Resort Project in vietnam Sparks Farmer eviction Fears

Hanoi, Vietnam – Thousands of Vietnamese farmers in the coastal province of Quang Ninh are facing potential eviction as a massive resort and golf course development, licensed to the Trump Institution, moves forward. The project, spearheaded by Vietnamese real estate firm Kinhbac City, has ignited anxieties among local agricultural communities who fear losing their livelihoods and ancestral lands.The planned 990-hectare development will transform fertile paddy fields and orchards – currently producing longan, bananas, and other fruits – into a luxury resort and golf course. Farmers report being informed of the impending evictions by local authorities, with compensation packages offered that many deem inadequate.

Nguyen Thi Huong, a farmer in the affected area, described the distress gripping the community. “We haven’t been able to sleep well,” she stated,recounting being offered approximately $3,200 USD and a limited supply of rice as compensation.”This land has supported my family for decades. We are worried this will leave us all unemployed.”

Reuters reports that Huong is one of thousands facing similar circumstances,with the offered compensation ranging from $12 to $30 USD per square meter (approximately 192,000 to 480,000 Indonesian Rupiah). The disparity in offered amounts, based on land area and location, is fueling further discontent.The project stems from a licensing agreement between Kinhbac City and the Trump Organization, with the latter receiving a $5 million USD fee for the use of the Trump name and management expertise once the resort is completed. This marks the Trump Organization’s latest foray into international real estate ventures.

Vietnam operates under a communist system where all land is state-owned. While farmers are granted usage rights, the state retains the power to reclaim land for development projects. Such land seizures are not uncommon, frequently enough triggering protests that rarely yield results. The limited landholdings of many farmers exacerbate the issue, resulting in minimal compensation.Beyond the monetary compensation, farmers are being offered temporary rice assistance, ranging from two months to one year, to mitigate the immediate impact of displacement. However, many fear this will be insufficient to secure long-term economic stability.

Context: Land Rights and Development in Vietnam

Vietnam’s rapid economic growth over the past three decades has been accompanied by increasing land acquisition for industrial and tourism projects. While the government aims to attract foreign investment and boost economic development, these projects often come at the expense of local communities and agricultural land.

The issue of land rights remains a sensitive topic in Vietnam, with ongoing concerns about transparency, fair compensation, and the lack of meaningful consultation with affected communities. The Quang Ninh province, known for its stunning natural beauty including Ha Long Bay, is a key tourism destination, making it particularly vulnerable to large-scale development projects.

The Trump Organization’s involvement in this project is likely to draw international scrutiny, given past controversies surrounding its development projects and land acquisition practices elsewhere.The situation in Quang Ninh highlights the complex interplay between economic development, land rights, and the livelihoods of rural communities in Vietnam.

(zlf/da)