Seminar spotlights socio-economic shifts in Vietnam hinh anh 1Cai Rang floating market in Can Tho city (Illustrative Photo: VNA)

Can Tho (VNA) – Socio-economic transition models in adaptation to climate change have been put forth at a recent seminar held in the Mekong Delta City of Can Tho.

The seminar was co-organised by the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (USSH) under the National University-Hanoi, Rosa Luxemburg Foundation, and Can Tho Technical Economic Collage.   

Participating scientists highlighted green growth, sustainable exploitation of natural resources, renewable energy, and agricultural restructuring as the most suitable directions for transition.

Nguyen Van Khanh, Director of the Institute of Policy and Management, underscored linking regions and sectors in economic development as a right move to capitalise on the full strength of sides involved.

Pham Hong Long from the USSH suggested the development of community-based tourism as a possible model for livelihood shift. He said the model is effective in both increasing incomes for locals and preserving and promoting local culture and tourism resources.

He said the model requires the completion of related management mechanism and policy and measures to encourage local participation along with specific guidance for them in providing standard, responsible and sustainable services.

Increasing connectivity among community-based service providers to form quality supply chains is also necessary, Long added.

Phan Thuan from the Region IV Academy of Politics analysed current changes taking place in the structure of society and employment, particularly in the Mekong Delta.

According to him, between 2009 and 2016, the rate of holders of bachelor’s or higher education degrees in the delta’s workforce increased to 5.5 percent in 2016 from just 0.4 percent in 2009. It was generally a good sign but might create a workforce that lacks skilled workers.

He said better career orientation is needed to prevent learners’ pursuit of unsuitable degrees.

Meanwhile, private and household businesses accounted for two third of the total employment in the region, which indicated low connectivity to form supply chains.-VNA 
VNA