Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta seek closer economic ties

Hailing positive results of a comprehensive economic cooperation scheme between the two sides, Phong said a number of measures have been adopted to boost food production, aquaculture and fruit processing. 

The linkage between Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, which contributes 18.5% to the country’s gross domestic product, is a sound and long-term orientation, he said. 

Over the past years, Ho Chi Minh City and the regional localities have jointly conducted scientific studies and technology transfer in cultivation and breeding, launched training courses and seminars on fruit growing under the VietGAP standard, and built concentrated breeding farms. 

They have also built farm produce wholesale markets, supermarkets and material zones while offering more tourist products and increasing communications among animal and plant quarantine stations. 

Son Minh Thang, deputy head of the Steering Committee for the Southwestern Region, lauded significant progress of bilateral connectivity but he said their trade remains modest. 

He called on 13 Mekong Delta localities to enhance trade and tourism with Ho Chi Minh City as well as review preferential policies across farm produce and seafood processing, and administrative reform. 

Thang also suggested the Ministry of Planning and Investment issue special policies conducive to investment attraction in the region. 

Regional localities were also advised to popularise their specialties and connect with Ho Chi Minh City in tourism. 

At the event, both sides introduced 69 key projects in need of capital, focusing on transport infrastructure, seaports, hi-tech farming areas, international-standard trade and services centres, hotels and resorts.