Advancing the Green Economy in the Mekong Delta
Experts and local leaders are optimistic that through public-private collaboration, the Mekong Delta (ĐBSCL) will transform into one of Vietnam’s leading green, innovative, and sustainable economic regions.
On November 16, the plenary session of the 2nd Mekong Startup Forum 2024 officially commenced under the theme
Green Economy – A New Driver for Development.
The event drew the participation of Mr. Huỳnh Thành Đạt, Member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party and Minister of Science and Technology; Mr. Trần Thanh Nam, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD); along with numerous domestic and international experts, entrepreneurs, founders, and organizations dedicated to fostering sustainable economic development.
The forum aims to mobilize resources, share ideas, and promote public-private partnerships in advancing green economic models for the Mekong Delta.
Green Economy: A Sustainable Path for the Mekong Delta
Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister Trần Thanh Nam emphasized: *“The Mekong Startup Forum is an opportunity for collective dialogue and action towards sustainable development. Since 2022, under the theme ‘Modern Agriculture: Circular and Low-Emission,’ we have made significant progress in connecting domestic and international organizations and enterprises, with ecological models yielding positive outcomes.”*
Deputy Minister Nam also highlighted the pressing challenges the Mekong Delta faces, including climate change, salinity intrusion, freshwater scarcity, and negative impacts on agricultural production. In response, he underscored the urgency of green and digital transformations, positioning these as top strategic priorities.
He proposed several solutions, such as advancing the application of science and technology, developing transportation and IT infrastructure, and supporting green agriculture, tourism, and logistics models.
Furthermore, he stressed that achieving a green economy hinges on robust collaboration among stakeholders, particularly between the public and private sectors.
Enhancing Public-Private Collaboration and Innovation
In addition, both domestic and international experts shared valuable insights on green economic development in the Mekong Delta. Peter Johnson, an expert from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), emphasized the need for the region to adopt advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, and Big Data to enhance agricultural productivity and environmental protection.
He also proposed implementing solar-powered cold storage solutions to help farmers reduce costs and better preserve their agricultural products.
Business-Led Innovations
Delegates agreed that the Mekong Delta must capitalize on opportunities from technological advancements and innovation to foster circular, low-emission green economic models.
During the discussions, Mr. Trần Thanh Hùng, owner of the Hoa & Ếch Homestay and Tourism project in Sa Đéc City, shared innovative solutions for promoting green tourism in the region. According to him, modern tourists increasingly favor sustainable travel experiences that connect with nature and respect local culture. His initiatives include community-based tourism and activities powered by renewable energy, such as electric vehicles and solar-powered wooden boats, which have drawn considerable interest from visitors.
However, Mr. Hùng pointed out that developing green tourism requires cooperation among governments, businesses, communities, and social organizations. He advocated for supportive policies, including tax incentives, access to credit, and market connectivity, to aid pioneering businesses in sustainable tourism development.
Youth and Startups: Pioneers of Green Transformation
The Mekong Startup Forum 2024 has paved the way for new approaches to green economic development in the Mekong Delta. Startups, green agricultural and tourism models, and active youth participation are vital elements in building a sustainable economy.
These initiatives not only create fresh opportunities for communities and businesses in the region but also set a strong foundation for long-term environmental and economic resilience.
Source (Vietnamese): https://plo.vn/nhieu-sang-kien-giup-dbscl-phat-trien-kinh-te-xanh-theo-huong-ben-vung-post820168.html
Author: Hải Dương
