Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (centre) chairs the conference in Can Tho city on March 13 (Photo: VNA)Can Tho (VNA) – Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc talkedabout a new strategic viewpoint involving eight “Gs” on the development of theMekong Delta while chairing a conference in Can Tho city on March 13.
On November 17, 2017, the Government issued Resolution120/NQ-CP on sustainably developing the Mekong Delta in adaptation to climate change,which sets up goals for 2050 and a vision to 2100.
At the conference – the third of its kind on sustainablydeveloping the Mekong Delta in adaptation to climate change, PM Phuchighlighted this region as the agricultural hub of Vietnam, which contributesto 50 percent of the total unhusked rice output, 95 percent of the rice exportvolume, 65 percent of the aquacultural output, and 70 percent of the fruitproduction.
He said despite initial encouraging outcomes in theresolution implementation, ministries, sectors, and localities do not becomplacent but must be aware that there are a large number of tasks for the time ahead.
Mentioning the “8G” viewpoint on the Mekong Delta’sdevelopment, the PM said the first “G” is “giao thong” (traffic), elaboratingthat resources must be prioritised for developing the traffic system to facilitatetravel and economic activities.
The second “G” is “giao duc” (education), which he describedas the “golden key” to sustainable development.
Meanwhile, the third is “giang” (rivers), he noted, addingthat development strategies should make use of local rivers to promoteagriculture and aquaculture as well as waterway traffic and logistics, and thatthere should be a study of river-based economic activities.
PM Phuc also pointed out the necessity of “gan” (connecting),which means connecting central agencies with localities, people withbusinesses, domestic parties with international organisations, and especially,connecting together the 13 provincial-level localities in the Mekong Delta.
In his remarks, the Government leader also recommended the localitiesattract “giau” (rich) and “gioi” (talented) people who will contribute to localdevelopment.
Besides, “gia” (ageing) is now a challenge to the MekongDelta, where the speed of population aging is faster than the national average,he added, asking for proactive policies on this issue.
The last “G” is “gioi” (gender), PM Phuc went on,underlining the importance of enhancing gender equality, boosting women’s accessto job opportunities, and brining into play their role.
At the conference, Minister of Natural Resources andEnvironment Tran Hong Ha reported that after over three years of implementingResolution 120/NQ-CP, the Mekong Delta has recorded strong changes with improvementsin both mindset and action, proactive moves to adapt to climate change, andpeople enjoying better livelihoods and living standards.
The region has continually posted high economic growth, withan impressive rate of about 7.3 percent in 2018 and 2019, Ha said.
World Bank Country Director for Vietnam Carolyn Turkconsidered Resolution 120 a breakthrough as it marked the change frompassivity in the face of climate change to proactive adaptation to the nature.
This resolution pointed out that climate change, extremeweather, and saltwater intrusion have become the “new normal” of the MekongDelta. It also provided the basis for shifting the region’s development model,from small-scale and provincial-level development to inter-provincialdevelopment, and from short-term and sectoral development to long-term, multi-sectoral,and integrated development, according to Turk.
The Mekong Delta is an illustration of the change in the VietnameseGovernment’s mindset and approach to development, she said, affirming that theWorld Bank is ready to mobilise more knowledge and financial sources to help realisethe visions and goals of Resolution 120.
The region consists of Can Tho city and the provinces of Long An, Tien Giang, Dong Thap, Vinh Long, Tra Vinh, Hau Giang, Soc Trang, Ben Tre, An Giang, Kien Giang, Bac Lieu, and Ca Mau./.
