Forum seeks support for sustainable development of Mekong Delta
VOV.VN - Vietnamese and Dutch firms shared a range of innovation solutions at a business in Can Tho city on April 8, as well as discussing the Netherlands’ experience in water resource management, agriculture, and logistics for sustainable development of the Mekong Delta forum.
Dutch delegates assessed the current challenges and difficulties facing the Delta region, such as saline intrusion, sea level rises, and groundwater depletion. They discussed several measures to improve productivity and quality of the region’s agriculture and ways to capitalise on its resources, calling for the involvement of the Government and community both at home and abroad.
This step requires a holistic approach and inter-sectoral support for sustainable and high-value agricultural production, Dutch Ambassador to Vietnam Elsbeth Akkerman said.
Stakeholders must therefore develop points of sale for farm produce processing, whilst also improving roads and waterway transport and logistics. Furthermore, due attention must be paid to environmental protection and water management, she emphasized.
At present, the Netherlands has so far poured roughly US$50 million into projects and initiatives in the Mekong Delta region.
In Vinh Long province, the Dutch Government provided US$19.5 million in non-refundable aid for a project worth US$202.2 million in a bid to support the province’s climate change adaptation.
Through ongoing projects in several Mekong Delta localities, Dutch experts and scientists have been able to roll out a score of measures aimed at supporting local people in climate change adaptation, sustainable agricultural development, and water management, among other things.
Moving forward, the Netherlands is poised to provide the Mekong Delta with solutions aimed at fully dealing with challenges in infrastructure and climate change, along with measures to boost agricultural development. In addition, the Delta region will strive to promote the application of scientific and technological advances from the Dutch side to utilise its advantages and potential in the time ahead.
The Mekong Delta is one of the five deltas which is most vulnerable to climate change in the world. With an area of 3.96 million hectares and a population of 18 million, it contributes 50% of total Vietnamese food output. Notably, the region provides 90% of the country’s export rice, 70% of fruit, and 65% of aquatic products.