Can Tho University (Source: baogiaothong.vn) Can Tho (VNA) – The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) launched a project to develop the research capacity of Can Tho University in agriculture, seafood and environment, during a workshop held in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho on April 1.
Through JICA, the Japanese Government provided a loan of 100 million USD – which will be used at the end of 2016, and another 4 million USD for technical cooperation starting from March 2016 and ending in 2020.
Chief Representative of JICA Office in Vietnam Yasuo Fujita said supporting Can Tho University is one of the most important activities of JICA in the Mekong Delta, which supplies 50 percent of rice, 65 percent of seafood, and 70 percent of vegetables and fruit for Vietnam , contributing 25 percent to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).
The project will help the university enhance its research capacity in agriculture, aquatic breeding and environment, thus increasing the value of farm produce and protecting the environment in the Mekong Delta, he added.
JICA will support the university in developing human resources and building academic research facilities as well as provide financial support for joint research between it and Japanese universities and companies, he said.
Rector of Can Tho University Ha Thanh Toan said his university aims to develop into a research campus. It is currently conducting 382 scientific research projects at all levels.
He added that the active financial and technical support of JICA and the Japanese Government will help Can Tho University enhance its capabilities in research and technological transfer, and open new cooperation opportunities with Japanese partners.
Established in 1966, Can Tho University has become a key educational institution in the region. Its goal is to become one of the leading universities in Vietnam and the Asia-Pacific region in research and training by 2020.-VNA
