Can Tho accelerates innovation: Advantages from the science and technology center of the Mekong Delta region

(Chinhphu.vn) - On the morning of September 9, in Can Tho City, Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology of Can Tho City organized a workshop on "Current situation and solutions to improve the policy system to enhance the innovation capacity of enterprises in the context of digital transformation".

Dr. Ngo Anh Tin, Director of the Department of Science and Technology of Can Tho City, spoke at the workshop - Photo: VGP/LS

Innovation: A must for breakthrough

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Dong Phong, Chairman of the Council of Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics, said that the workshop aimed to draw practical policy implications, helping Vietnamese enterprises improve their innovation capacity in the context of digital transformation, while contributing to the effective implementation of Resolution 57/NQ-TW, creating momentum to realize the double-digit growth target for the 2026-2030 period.

He emphasized that this is also the foundation for developing sustainable transport infrastructure and economy in the Mekong Delta - which is suffering increasingly complex impacts from climate change.

After merging with Soc Trang and Hau Giang, Can Tho is positioned as a new growth pole of the Southwest sub-region. In the context of digital transformation and innovation becoming a global trend, Can Tho is oriented to be a center of science and technology, a locomotive spreading the driving force of socio-economic development for the entire region.

Dr. Ngo Anh Tin, Director of the Department of Science and Technology of Can Tho City, emphasized: “Science, technology and innovation are no longer options, but mandatory requirements, the core driving force for Can Tho to make a breakthrough, and at the same time the key to solving major challenges: Climate change, labor productivity, and competitiveness”.

Infrastructure and human resources: 2 strategic pillars

According to Mr. Ngo Anh Tin, Can Tho is focusing on completing the infrastructure of science and technology and innovation with a series of key projects: Can Tho City Center for Startup and Innovation, High-Tech Park, Concentrated IT Park, Hau Giang Digital Technology Park (old), upgrading the Center for Technical Standards and Quality Measurement Phase II, and the Vietnam - Korea Industrial Technology Incubator.

Can Tho currently possesses great advantages in education and research when it gathers many leading universities and research institutes in the region; high-tech infrastructure is being formed; young and dynamic human resources; and at the same time holds the position of logistics, healthcare, education and economic center of the entire Mekong Delta.

By 2030, Can Tho aims to become a national growth pole, a center for trade - services - logistics and marine economy; and a center for startups, science and technology and innovation. To achieve this, the City has identified three strategic pillars: developing high-quality science and technology human resources; building outstanding infrastructure and institutions; and forming a dynamic and closely connected innovation ecosystem.

Specifically, Can Tho aims to increase production and trade by over 15%, expand production and business by at least 10%, and achieve an average GRDP growth rate of 10% per year in the 2025-2030 period. To do so, the City will issue breakthrough policies to attract leading domestic and foreign experts and scientists; support young scientists and strong research groups; and cooperate with universities to train human resources in new technology orientations such as AI, big data, IoT, and molecular biology.

Capital challenges and policy mechanisms

According to Mr. Diep Minh Tuan, Deputy Director of the Department of Finance of Can Tho City, capital mobilization is an urgent need, because by 2030 the City needs about 50,000 billion VND, but currently only 70% of the need has been met. Climate change has caused the cost of dealing with subsidence and landslides to increase; many projects have increased their capital by 20-30% due to new technology requirements, while ODA sources are gradually decreasing.

The reasons for the delay were identified as unclear legal frameworks for PPPs and green bonds, which posed high risks to investors; the Public Investment Law lacked flexibility; limited technological human resources; and problems with site clearance and material supply. Some projects were wasteful due to lack of supervision, affecting investor confidence.

To overcome this, the Department of Finance proposed increasing the PPP rate to 30%, issuing local green bonds, integrating the climate change response budget, and cooperating with ADB, WB, and JICA to mobilize ODA for green projects. Regarding human resources, Can Tho needs policies to attract and retain experts, increase salaries and benefits, and encourage public-private partnerships in specialized training, especially digital skills and climate change response.

Businesses need to break through more strongly

From the business perspective, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuong Linh, Deputy Director of VCCI Mekong Delta Branch, pointed out that Can Tho's GRDP growth after the merger was higher than the national average, the number of enterprises entering the market reached 4,184 - the highest in the region. However, the number of enterprises withdrawing was also not small, up to 3,949. Currently, the city has 18,101 operating enterprises, the highest ratio of enterprises/1,000 people in the region, but still poses many challenges.

According to Ms. Linh, Can Tho's outstanding advantages are its logistics center and export gateway to the Mekong Delta, especially through Tran De port; its cold storage system, seafood, and high-quality rice-shrimp raw material areas. Key industries that can make a breakthrough include aviation, water transport, deep processing of rice, fruits, seafood, along with financial services and tourism.

According to delegates, businesses need to take advantage of opportunities for innovation, linking research and training with production practices to increase competitiveness. If Can Tho wants to maintain its role as a core for regional development, the business community must truly make a breakthrough.

Le Son

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/can-tho-tang-toc-doi-moi-sang-tao-loi-the-tu-trung-tam-khoa-hoc-cong-nghe-vung-dbscl-102250909113456014.htm