The working session between the delegation of the US Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City and leaders of Can Tho city (Photo: VNA) Can Tho (VNA) – US Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Mary Tarnowka has expressed her wishes to further promote trade with the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho in the field of agriculture, thereby enabling firms from the Mekong Delta and Can Tho in particular to boost their exports to the US.
During a working session with the municipal authorities on August 10, Tarnowka said that US consumers are keen for Vietnamese rice and catfish – two of the key currency earners in Can Tho.
She said the Consulate General will actively help Can Tho and regional localities connect with the US’ National Sustainable Agriculture Programme, which looks to enhance local production and boost trade with domestic and foreign partners.
Joining the programme, participants will have the chance to cultivate and develop farm produce on US soil, so that both sides can share experiences and techniques in agricultural production for sustainable development.
Many US tertiary and post-tertiary education establishments are ready to transfer new technological advances in the field to Vietnamese firms, she said.
In terms of healthcare, the US Embassy in Vietnam will suggest that the US Department of Health and Human Services send more working delegations from prestigious hospitals, research centres, and medical universities to Can Tho to share their expertise, she said.
In particular, the Consulate General is ready to share its experiences with Can Tho in smart urban development, she said, adding that Can Tho should consider developing smart urban areas as a foundation for socio-economic development, while also upgrading transport infrastructure and providing services for its people and businesses, contributing to the improvement of local livelihoods.
According to her, the US side will send experts to Can Tho to help it build a database meeting eight common criteria on smart planning, transportation, environment management, administration and businesses, administration and citizens, citizens and services, agriculture, and social safety and order management.
Tarnowka proposed that applications on smart urban development be piloted in several districts and communes towards building Can Tho into a model city for Southeast Asia in the near future.
Agreeing with the guest’s proposals, Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Dao Anh Dung said collaboration with the US is one of the key focuses in a strategy to attract investment in Can Tho and the Mekong Delta.
He pledged to improve the local business climate, reform administrative procedures at all levels, restructure the economy, and shift to new growth models, as well as offer all possible support to US investors.
The host hoped that the Consulate General would help Can Tho hold periodic meetings with US investors to introduce its strength, potential, and cooperation requirements. –VNA
VNA
