The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) delegation at the event. (Photo: VNA) Can Tho (VNA) –Leaders of the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho on March 9 had a working sessionwith a delegation from the United States Agency for International Development(USAID) led by its Administrator Samantha Power, during which the two sides discussedcollaboration in climate change response and how to support people affectedby the natural phenomenon.
According to Tran VietTruong, chairman of municipal People’s Committee, a range of hydroelectric damsin many countries that are upstream of the Mekong Delta have changed the flow andgreatly affected the lives of people in the downstream areas. The rise in sea level is the most obvious evidence.
Scientists have predicted thatthe Mekong Delta may be deeply flooded in the next few decades.
Can Tho and the Mekong Deltaprovinces are looking for ways to restructure crops and livestock as a responseto saline water intrusion, therefore the city hopes that USAID will pay attention toresearch and support so localities in the Mekong Delta can adapt to climatechange, he said.
Tran Viet Truong, chairman of Can Tho city People’s Committee, speaks at the event. (Photo: VNA) The official said CanTho still faces difficulties in terms of transport infrastructure. It is the only localityin the Mekong Delta that has an international airport, but the facility mainly serves thetravel needs of people, leading to limitations in transporting agriculturalproducts in the Delta,
The city wishes to receivesupport from USAID to facilitate farmers and businesses engaging in agriculturalproduction, Truong said, adding it will help promote the sale of farm produceof the whole region.
For her part, Samantha Powersaid that the organisation pays attention to enhance support for people toadapt to changing climate change to secure their livelihoods.
The official also expressedher interest in cooperating with Can Tho city in other activities to strengthenaction against plastic pollution, assist those affected by climate change aswell as take care of their health./.
