An exchange programme between Mekong Delta localities and the diplomatic corps in Vietnam took place in Can Tho city on April 28.

The event, co-organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and the Southwestern Steering Committee (SSC), was attended by officials from 13 Mekong Delta provinces, more than 30 ambassadors, consul generals and representatives of international organisations in Vietnam.

The programme was one of the efforts made by the MOFA and the Mekong Delta localities to promote active international integration and deepen Vietnam ’s relationship with countries and strengthen exchanges between Vietnamese people and the international community.

Speaking at the event, MoFA Deputy Minister Bui Thanh Son highlighted the great potential and strengths of the Mekong Delta region.

The Delta holds a specially important position for the country’s socio-economic development and international integration, he stressed.

However, he said that the region is facing a lot of challenges such as climate change, the effective and reasonable use of water resources, prolonged floods and droughts, encroachment of sea water, and environmental protection.

The SSC Deputy Head, Tran Phi Ho, asked the foreign diplomats and representatives of international organisations and diplomatic agencies in Vietnam to help local businesses gain more access to the world market, strengthen connectivity and receive more ODA for infrastructure development.

On behalf of the diplomatic corps, Moroccan Ambassador to Vietnam El Houcine Fardani spoke highly of the initiative of the MoFA and SSC to organise such a meeting, considering it a valuable opportunity for the diplomatic corps’ members to understand the Mekong Delta region’s potential and advantages.

He expressed his belief that with its great potential in agriculture, fisheries and tourism, the Mekong Delta region will overcome challenges in the process of international economic integration to build an effective strategy for sustainable development.-VNA