Can Tho (VNA) – The Mekong Delta city of Can Tho is seeking to deepen economic cooperation with Dutch partners in smart agriculture, water management, and climate-resilient development, Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Tran Chi Hung said on January 20.
Receiving a delegation led by Raissa Marteaux, Consul General of the Netherlands in Ho Chi Minh City, together with representatives of leading Dutch technology firms, financial institutions, and policymakers, Hung highlighted the strong and growing cooperation between the Netherlands and Vietnam, including Can Tho, especially in areas where the European country has recognised strengths such as human resources training, water resources management, smart agriculture, and sustainable development.
The official noted that in 2025, Can Tho’s exports to the Netherlands reached 11.64 million USD, mainly aquatic products, garments, sports gloves, and processed farm produce. However, he said the figure remains modest compared with the potential, leaving ample room for expanded trade and investment cooperation between the two sides.
The city hopes the Dutch Consulate General and enterprises will help promote bilateral import-export activities and strengthen connections to encourage Dutch investors to explore priority sectors in Can Tho, he said.
For her part, Marteaux praised the cooperative relationship with Can Tho and affirmed that in her role as Consul General, she will continue to promote cooperation in training and other potential areas proposed by the city.
She added the current visit also aims to discuss measures for developing crop production in the Mekong Delta, including Can Tho, in a more sustainable manner. Dutch partners are particularly focused on measures to address saltwater intrusion, improve seed quality, enhance crop productivity, and raise the value of agricultural products.
Drawing on Dutch experience, Marteaux stressed that effectively tackling saltwater intrusion requires close collaboration between researchers and practitioners. In the coming time, leading Dutch experts and organisations specialising in climate adaptation and salinity control are willing to share their experience and collaborate with Vietnam, including Can Tho, to develop solutions tailored to local conditions.
Currently, Can Tho is calling on potential investors to explore opportunities in agricultural and aquatic processing, manufacturing, high-tech agriculture, information technology, infrastructure development and trade, as well as projects listed in the city’s investment promotion portfolio for the 2023–2025 period, with orientations towards 2030./.
