China wants to step up agricultural cooperation with the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho, especially for major farm produce like rice and fruits, in order to raise the efficiency of the rural economy, Chinese Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Wu Jun said on June 24.

At the working session (Photo: VNA)

China also hopes to share experience and scientific-technological applications in farming with the locality, while joining hands in the control of food safety and hygiene, and diseases in the husbandry sector, the official said at a working session with municipal leaders. 

The Chinese side stands ready to transfer high technologies in agricultural production, processing and distribution to Can Tho, and organise training courses for local agricultural officials, farmers and faming households with the participation of Chinese experts, he said. 

Wu Jun noted that the Chinese authorities will encourage and create conditions for big Chinese agricultural businesses to study the investment environment in Can Tho, helping to increase direct investments in the city and its adjacent localities. 

China has considered Can Tho, which has been seen as an economic driver of the Mekong Delta region, a fertile land for investors, he added. 

The official also highlighted China’s wish to enhance partnerships in education-training, culture and tourism with Can Tho. 

Truong Quang Hoai Nam, Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee, agreed with Wu Jun’s proposals, stressing that cooperation with China is one of the key tasks set in investment attraction and sustainable economic development strategies of Can Tho and the Mekong Delta in general. 

The official expressed his hope that the Chinese Consulate General will assist Can Tho in organising regular meetings with Chinese investors and businesses to create more opportunities for the city to promote its potential, strength and cooperation demand with partners. 

Can Tho will make all-out efforts to improve the investment environment and reform administrative procedures at all levels, making it easier for Chinese firms to operate in the locality, he said. 

On this occasion, the Chinese Consulate General and the Chinese Business Association in Vietnam presented Can Tho with 550 million VND (23,650 USD) to build houses for those in difficult circumstances