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| The Mekong Connect Forum 2024 kicks off in the Mekong Delta province of An Giang on December 17. (Photo: VNA) |
First held in 2015, the forum has become an annual reputable event that serves as a solid bridge connecting Mekong Delta localities with HCM City and others across the country.
The initiative began with the regional ABCD (An Giang, Ben Tre, Can Tho, Dong Thap) Mekong linkage initaitive and now includes HCM City, with this year’s event also engaged by the provinces of Vinh Long and Hau Giang. Mekong Connect is not only a platform for exchanging ideas and initiatives but also a space for local administration, businesses, experts, and policymakers to discuss practical solutions for promoting sustainable development across the region.
This year, the two-day forum focuses on three key areas to strengthen cooperation, namely economy, trade, and technology. The aim is to promote regional economic linkages, optimise local resources, and connect with HCM City and the rest of the country, with a focus on green and sustainable development.
Le Van Phuoc, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of An Giang, said that along with fostering connections and cooperation, the event is expected to create opportunities for developing value chains based on better understanding of market trends, agricultural product strategies, and technology application. It is also hoped to connect tourism routes and foster Vietnam-Cambodia border trade development, he said.
Following the opening ceremony, an exhibition spotlighting cooperation among businesses of HCM City and the Mekong Delta for sustainable development was launched, making a highlight of Mekong Connect 2024.
The exhibition features products of nearly 100 businesses from HCM City, An Giang, Ben Tre, Dong Thap, Can Tho, Vinh Long, and Hau Giang. It not only showcases their economic and social values but also sends a strong message about regional integration and sustainable development in the context of new competition.
Companies leading green transition, digital transformation, and climate-resilient economic projects from the participating localities were also spotlighted at the exhibition.
Within the Mekong Connect 2024 framework, a series of events will be held, including an international green startup festival, a Livestream sales session for agricultural products from the Mekong Delta, and a workshop on developing local resources and local economies through regional linkages in the context of new competition./.