Mekong Delta expands cooperation, promotes investment for sustainable development

The Mekong Delta is a strategic region, not only serving as a major hub for rice, seafood, and fruits but also acting as a driver of agricultural exports to international markets. However, climate change, logistics costs, infrastructure problems, and the need for high-tech human resources require a new approach to fully unlock the region's potential.

The Party and the State have issued many major policies, most notably Resolution 13 of the Politburo, Resolution 120 of the Government, and the Mekong Delta Regional Master Plan for 2021–2030 with a vision to 2050.

For the first time, a regional plan was developed based on the integrated multi-sectoral approach under the principle of "nature-based, sustainable, modern, and ecological." One of the specific steps is the One Million Hectares of High-Quality, Low-Emission Rice project being implemented in the Mekong Delta region.

Mr. Huynh Van Thon, Chairman of Loc Troi Group, stated, "The project not only ensures national food security but also helps farmers increase income and enhances the value of Vietnamese rice in the international markets."

Additionally, public-private partnership models, such as the Bac Lieu wind power project and rice chain linkages in An Giang, have generated jobs and attracted hundreds of millions of USD in investment, proving the Mekong Delta's potential to become an attractive destination for major investors in the future.

High-quality human resources are considered a key factor for the region's economic development. Prof. Dr. Ha Thanh Toan, former Rector of Can Tho University, said, "We must prepare human resources for all developing infrastructure, from high-quality general education and universities to vocational training, to meet the planning requirements."

Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Thanh Binh from the Mekong Delta Development Research Institute at Can Tho University noted that the region's development strategy aims to reduce agriculture's share while increasing industry, services, and construction, supported by a modern, high-quality workforce. However, agriculture still accounts for a large proportion, and the rate of trained workers remains low. The 2021–2030 master plan sets targets for 65% trained workers, 25% with degrees or certificates, and 75–80% non-agricultural workers.

To achieve these goals, localities must strengthen education, vocational training, and scientific and technological research capacity. Can Tho University is the leading center for high-quality human resources in the region, with over 200 professors and associate professors expanding training programs in fields such as artificial intelligence and e-commerce.

Alongside workforce development, logistics infrastructure is also a bottleneck that needs to be addressed. Currently, about 90% of export goods have to be transported by road, with only 10% by waterway, leading to an increase in costs and a reduction in competitiveness.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ho Thi Thu Hoa, Director of the Vietnam Logistics Research and Development Institute, affirmed that if both hard and soft infrastructure are effectively addressed, this will serve as a stepping stone for the Mekong Delta’s deeper integration into the global value chain.

In 2021, the Tran De deep-water seaport was approved by the Prime Minister under Decision 1579, designating it as a special seaport and an international gateway port serving the Mekong Delta.

Located in Can Tho City, the Tran De deep-water port is designed to receive container vessels of up to 100,000 DWT and bulk carriers of up to 160,000 DWT. Situated at the Hau River estuary, just 25–30 nautical miles from the East–West maritime route, it shortens transport distances by 80–100 kilometers compared with routes via Cai Mep–Thi Vai or Ho Chi Minh City.

Dr. Tran Khac Tam, Vice Chairman of the Mekong Delta Business Association, stated that the Tran De deep-water seaport will become a major southern gateway, easing the burden on Ho Chi Minh City and Cai Mep–Thi Vai. It will serve the region’s agricultural and seafood exports, resolve long-standing logistics problems, drive industrial and supporting service development, attract investment, and enhance economic value.

Once completed, the Tran De port will create a closed logistics network linking warehouses, distribution centers, and auxiliary ports. Its proximity to international shipping routes will enable connections with the U.S., Europe, and East Asia, thereby enhancing the value of agricultural products and promoting sustainable development. The port will also support high-tech agriculture, high-quality aquaculture, and renewable energy, operating efficiently thanks to a high-quality workforce while promoting green logistics and reducing CO₂ emissions.

Under the regional master plan, the Mekong Delta's development will be built on three pillars: economy, society, and environment. The region will no longer rely solely on rice but shift toward aquaculture and fruit production, associated with high-tech, low-emission agriculture. At the same time, it will promote renewable energy, preserve ecosystems, and safeguard its distinctive river culture.