Government approves development plan for Mekong Delta

Cần Thơ City in Mekong Delta. — VNA/VnExpress News Photo 

HÀ NỘI — Deputy Prime Minister Lê Văn Thành has signed a decision giving the green light to a master plan for the Mekong Delta, which consists of Cần Thơ City and 12 provinces, in the 2021-30 period, with a vision to 2050.

It aims to promote the strength of the local agricultural economy towards sustainability and technology application; maintain the proportion of added value at a high level of about 20-25 per cent by 2030; and make effective use of free trade agreements for market expansion.

It sets a target of the regional economy growth at an average rate of about 6.5 per cent annually, with its regional gross domestic product in 2030 being 2-2.5 times larger than in 2021. Also by 2030, the Delta will build and upgrade some 830km of expressways; about 4,000km of national highways; four airports; and 13 seaports.

The plan pays attention to developing high-quality agricultural goods and an environmentally friendly industry, using the development of processing and supporting industries to raise the value and competitiveness of agricultural products.

Regarding tourism, the Mekong Delta hopes to become an international brand for agro-rural, eco and marine tourism, with Cần Thơ and Phú Quốc earmarked to become two international tourist hubs and a gateway to welcome visitors to the entire region. — VnExpress News