(VOVWORLD) - Government resolution 120 on sustainable development in the Mekong River Delta urges the region to adapt a new growth model in response to climate change and promote ecological sites. For three years, the local administration and people have been responding.
The Mekong River Delta has shifted its main agricultural product from rice to fishery products and fruits. Salt water has become a development resource. Shrimp production now covers more than 200,000 ha, tripling the figure of 2000. A Regional Coordination Council was established. In response to the region’s development plan until 2030, foreign investors and partners have invested in agriculture, transportation, renewable energy and logistics projects boosting regional growth.
The government has fine-tuned mechanisms and policies and upgraded the infrastructure to attract more investors to the region. It has focused on exploiting advantages of localities and sub-regions and increased links between the Mekong Delta and HCM City.
Independent researcher Nguyen Huu Thien said, 'Government Resolution 120 has boosted sustainable development in the Mekong River Delta but more attention should be paid to the water supply in coastal areas. The key is to shift from quantity-based production to quality-based production.'
Nguyen Thanh Binh, Chairman of the An Giang provincial People’s Committee says water security is the region’s major concern.
'Water shortage as a result of climate change will be a challenge for the Mekong River Delta. I propose the creation of two reservoirs, one in An Giang and another in Dong Thap province to store fresh water for irrigation in the drought season,' says Binh.
Under the Ministry of Planning and Investment’s draft plan on Mekong development until 2030 with a Vision to 2050, economics, society, and the environment will be the three pillars for regional development while centering on the people and adapting to climate change.
The region will encourage renovation and creativity to turn challenges into growth opportunities.
Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung said, 'A modern, inter-connected system of expressways, waterways, agricultural production centers and economic corridors has the potential of making the Mekong Delta an agricultural hub of Vietnam, the region, and the world.'
At a recent conference on Mekong development, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc urged the region to respect nature, adopt new models adapted to nature, avoid interfering with nature, and adapt to floods, salination, water shortages, and drought.
He pledged to create favorable conditions for realizing Resolution 120.