The Government has approved a construction plan for the Cuu Long ( Mekong ) Delta until 2020, with a vision to 2050, the Ministry of Construction announced on March 14.

The plan aims to develop the Delta's potential by focusing on connecting urban economic corridors, with Can Tho City as the region's nucleus.

The plan will develop new urban areas with the development of industry, trade and tourism services, corresponding to the region's specific characteristics.

It will also develop urban and rural areas in a more balanced way so that rural development will not lag behind urban areas.

The Delta will have three main urban zones, the central urban zone with Can Tho city as the nuclear urban area, the northeastern urban zone with My Tho city as the central urban area, and the southwest urban zone with Ca Mau city as the core area.

Projects given priority for investment until 2020 include national roads along national highway No 1, the Ho Chi Minh road and the HCM City—Can Tho— Ca Mau expressway.

Projects to upgrade inland waterway and sea routes, improving the living conditions of local residents and protecting the environment in a sustainable way are also priorities for investment.

The Delta will upgrade Can Tho city airport and Phu Quoc airport in Kien Giang province into international airports by 2020.

By 2020, the region is estimated to have a population of 20-21 million, including 7-7.5 million living in urban areas.

By 2050, the population is expected to increase to 30-32 million, with 25-27 percent living in 250 urban areas.

The Delta is expected to be a large agricultural production area and an active commercial region with sustainable development and a favourable investment environment, as well as high living standards.

The Delta, which is the country's largest rice granary and aquaculture region, produces about 50 percent of the country's rice output and 52 percent of aquatic products.

The Delta comprises Can Tho city and 12 provinces — An Giang, Bac Lieu, Long An, Tien Giang, Ben Tre, Dong Thap, Vinh Long, Tra Vinh, Hau Giang, Soc Trang, Kien Giang and Tra Vinh.

It has a 330-km border with Cambodia , a 700-km coastline and 360,000sq.km of territorial waters. /.