Policy Forum “Promoting Investment for Sustainable Development of the Mekong Delta”

Delegates attending the forum.

The forum aims to discuss economic development issues, investment and business cooperation policies in the Mekong Delta region.

Attending the forum were Mr. Dau Anh Tuan, Deputy Secretary General of VCCI; Nguyen Phuong Lam, Director of VCCI Mekong Delta Branch, leaders of People's Committees of provinces in the Mekong Delta region, embassies and counselors of countries in Ho Chi Minh City.

Leaders of Tra Vinh Provincial People's Committee, including comrade Nguyen Quynh Thien, Provincial Party Committee member, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee attended and spoke at the forum.

Ms. Emma McDonald, Senior Trade and Investment Counsellor - Vietnam and Cambodia, Australian Trade and Investment Commission spoke about the necessity and the orientation of the goals that the forum is aiming for.

The forum welcomed nearly 400 delegates, 20 international promotion agencies and 150 international enterprises from Australia, Japan, Singapore, the United States, South Korea, Taiwan, Europe... in the fields of finance, education, logistics, infrastructure construction, technology, energy, green transformation...

Speaking at the forum, Mr. Dau Anh Tuan, Deputy General Secretary of VCCI, affirmed that the Mekong Delta is not only an important granary for rice, fruit, and seafood, but also one of the economic regions with particularly important development potential in Vietnam. The region contributes nearly 18% of the country's GDP, 90% of rice exports, 70% of fruit output, and 60% of seafood output, making an important contribution to national food security and the global supply chain.

Comrade Dau Anh Tuan, Deputy Secretary General of VCCI delivered the opening speech at the forum.

In particular, in 2024, the GRDP of the Mekong Delta will grow by 7.3%, higher than the national average, with export turnover reaching nearly 28 billion USD. However, the Mekong Delta region faces significant challenges: investment is not commensurate with its potential; public investment capital accounts for less than 10% of the country's total investment, private investment and FDI are still limited. The Mekong Delta is one of the regions heavily affected by saline intrusion, land subsidence, riverbank erosion and lack of fresh water. The transport and logistics infrastructure system is not yet synchronized, increasing transportation costs and reducing the competitiveness of enterprises...

Comrade Nguyen Phuong Lam, Director of VCCI Mekong Delta Branch, analyzed that the infrastructure of the Mekong Delta is still limited.

At the forum, delegates discussed, analyzed, and proposed solutions for the Mekong Delta to make a breakthrough and develop sustainably; there needs to be a clear strategy and stronger investment in transport infrastructure, logistics, and renewable energy. The development of an expressway system connecting the region and linking with Ho Chi Minh City, the Southeast, and the Central Highlands is a prerequisite for promoting growth. Along with that, the construction of a deep-water seaport and a modern logistics system will help improve the region's export capacity.

Mr. David Whitehead, Vice President of the Australian Business Association, Head of the Industry and Agriculture Group of the Vietnam Business Forum, Chairman of Mavin Group spoke about solutions to make the Mekong Delta a destination for investors.

Many delegates representing international promotion agencies hope that the Mekong Delta will develop synchronously, and need to attract private investment and FDI in processing industries and high-tech agriculture. The Mekong Delta needs to transform its economic model from raw exports to deep processing, increase product value, improve labor productivity and apply digital technology to supply chain management. At the same time, promote regional linkages and public-private cooperation. The Mekong Delta will not develop in isolation, but needs to be closely connected with major economic centers such as Ho Chi Minh City and the Southeast region to take advantage of markets, technology and high-quality human resources.

Comrade Tran Van Tuoi, Deputy Director of the Department of Finance of Long An province, introduced the importance of investment policy and efficiency in the locality.

For localities, it is necessary to proactively adapt to climate change and develop a circular economic model; there is a need for a comprehensive strategy on water resources management, response to saltwater intrusion and biodiversity protection. At the same time, it is necessary to encourage a green economic model, save resources, use renewable energy and promote sustainable production.

Mr. Matsumoto Nobuyuki, Chief Representative of JETRO in Vietnam, commented on the strategy of attracting investment through innovation and green development strategy.

The forum also aims to connect domestic and international stakeholders to provide, share information and propose solutions for the development of key areas of the Mekong Delta, contributing to supporting the development of policies, strategies and sustainable development policies for the Mekong Delta with a vision to 2045, especially on industrialization and modernization of the Mekong Delta in the new context. This is also one of the activities to promote socio-economic development cooperation between Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta provinces and institutes and schools; connecting experts, researchers, businesses, etc.

Speaking at the forum, Mr. Nguyen Quynh Thien , Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, introduced the potential and strengths of Tra Vinh; investment results and investment promotion in the province.

Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Quynh Thien spoke about reshaping the investment environment through innovation and green development strategy.

In 2024, despite facing many difficulties and challenges, the province's economic growth rate (GRDP) reached 10.04%, ranking first in the Mekong Delta region and 8th in the country; GRDP per capita reached 94.37 million VND/person; Tra Vinh province was recognized by the Prime Minister as completing the task of building a new rural area in 2024, being the 6th province in the country and the first province in the Southwest region to be recognized.

In 2024, 522 enterprises were established, currently the whole province has 5,813 enterprises, including 40 FDI enterprises. Investment attraction has achieved positive results, with 15 licensed projects, including 14 domestic projects, total investment capital of VND 5,693 billion and 01 foreign project with total investment capital of USD 02 million. The Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI) increased by 02 levels, ranking 24/63 provinces and cities nationwide. The Provincial Green Index (PGI) reached 22.93 points, ranking 13/63 provinces and cities nationwide, showing efforts in sustainable economic development associated with environmental protection.

Comrade Nguyen Quynh Thien (middle), participated as a speaker with businesses and investors to chair the discussion session: Accompanying investors for sustainable development of the Mekong Delta region.

Tra Vinh hopes that domestic and foreign enterprises and investors will be interested in investing. The province is committed to creating a favorable, transparent and stable investment and business environment for investors to develop long-term; at the same time, it will accompany, support, create the most favorable conditions and protect the legitimate rights of investors doing business in the province; investing in Tra Vinh province, investors will enjoy full investment incentive policies in accordance with the law.

News and photos: TRUONG NGUYEN

Source: https://www.baotravinh.vn/trong-nuoc/dien-dan-chinh-sach-thuc-day-dau-tu-phat-trien-ben-vung-dong-bang-song-cuu-long-44644.html