Strategic position and economic exchange of the Ninh Binh region through history

Abstract

Historically, the land of Hoa Lu - Ninh Binh has always been considered to be a region of great spirit with an important geo-political and geo-economic position. Placing Ninh Binh in the relationship with Thang Long (Hanoi), Son Nam town and the Northern Central region, this article focuses on analyzing Ninh Binh's position in the transition between the two countries from a regional and inter-regional comparative perspective. Through generations, people in Ninh Binh have exploited natural resources, connected with other regions and mobilized the potentials of three different environmental landscapes: lowland delta, mountainous forests, and coastal-riverine terrain for economic development, cultural production, and nation’s protection. Based on historical sources and new findings of inter-disciplinary research, this paper aims to clarify the key strategic position, economic potential, cultural resources and inter-cultural relationships of the region of Hoa Lu - Ninh Binh in the course of national history, analyze the comparative advantages of this region and suggest some development directions of today’s Ninh Binh.