Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung highlighted the region’s important role in national development saying it is the supporting pillar to ensure food security and increase agricultural exports and is the driver for the national economy:

Dung said: "The Mekong Delta cannot develop rapidly and sustainably by itself. It’s important to strengthen links and investment in planning and infrastructure to create a foundation for rapid, sustainable growth. Infrastructure development, particularly transport and energy, is of great importance for regional development."