 The National Conference on implementing Resolution 13 dated April 2, 2022 on direction of socio-economic development, defense and security of the Mekong Delta until 2030, with a vision to 2045. Photo: VOV |
Friday’s conference sought ways to implement the Politburo’s Resolution 13 dated April 2, 2022, on the direction of the Mekong Delta region, one of Vietnam’s six regions divided by geopolitics, economy, culture, society, defense and security. It consists of 13 provinces and cities that have contributed 12% of the country's GDP.
Civilized and sustainable ecosystem
The Resolution defines that by 2030 the Mekong Delta will be the center of a green agricultural economy, producing large-quantity and world-class quality goods, and by 2045 it will be a modern, ecological and sophisticated development area imbued with a river-based cultural identity. The Resolution emphasizes regional connectivity and the unique strengths of each locality, with An Giang and Dong Thap provinces being the focal points for fresh water agricultural and aquatic raw materials. Kien Giang, Ca Mau and Soc Trang provinces are responsible for coastal aquatic materials while Tien Giang and Ben Tre provinces will be charged with responsibility for fruits and vegetables. Can Tho city will be a hub connecting logistics services in Hau Giang province.
Tran Tuan Anh, Head of the Party Central Committee’s Economic Commission, said: “The Politburo has set forth orientations and breakthrough solutions for the Mekong Delta, turning it into a developed region with a modern and sustainable ecosystem, putting people at the center and considering aquatic resources to be a core factor. It’s imperative to respect the laws of nature in accordance with the region's conditions and characteristics and to renew a growth model on the basis of efficient use of resources. The region will be restructured towards a green and circular economy with ecological agriculture being the focus, energy industry the breakthrough, and service being the pedestal.”
 Tran Tuan Anh, Head of the Party Central Committee’s Economic Commission. Photo: VOV |
The Politburo pointed out why the region's development has not progressed as expected. The objective causes are climate change, saline intrusion, and change of the flow of the Mekong River. The subjective cause is an ineffective mindset on regional connectivity and coordination mechanism.
Future Mekong Delta development
On the basis of the long-term vision stated in Resolution 13, specific solutions will be worked out to boost regional growth, adapt to climate changes, and build a stronger political system, commensurate with the important position of the Mekong Delta.
Le Quang Manh, Secretary of the Can Tho City Party Committee, said:“Resolution 13 is very important as it creates a big reform for the Mekong Delta’s development. Now the whole region has a master plan and a shared strategy to bring out the best potential of sub-regions as well as of each locality.”
Chairman of the People's Committee of Ben Tre province Tran Ngoc Tam said it’s essential to invest in transport infrastructure to live up to people's aspirations and promote economic development.
“Investment in key transport projects is needed to serve the whole region’s development. Ben Tre and the eastern coastal provinces will benefit from it. Thanks to national highway and local road systems, Ben Tre will attract many more investors in the future,” he said.
Nghiem Xuan Thanh, Secretary of the Hau Giang provincial Party Committee, shared this viewpoint: “Resolution 13 pointed out that logistics service in Hau Giang is linked with a general hub in Can Tho city. This is an important orientation and foundation for Hau Giang to develop its logistics service. We will focus on strengthening regional and inter-regional links.”
The Mekong Delta has been as a pillar of food security and agricultural product exports and also a driving force for national development. The Politburo’s Resolution 13 is expected to create conditions for the Land of Nine Dragons to take off.