U.S. Investment in Sustainable and Digital Economies Finds a Warm Reception in Cần Thơ
Can Tho City, a vibrant urban center in Vietnam's Mekong Delta, is intent on enticing US investors, particularly in the sectors of agricultural processing, the green economy, and the digital economy. This ambition was articulated by Truong Canh Tuyen, Chairman of the municipal People's Committee, during a meeting with Susan Burns, the US Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, on Tuesday.
During the discussion, the participants explored preparations for events celebrating the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the US this year, as well as the potential for enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, healthcare, security, education, and people-to-people exchanges.
Tuyen highlighted that three US-backed projects are currently underway in the city, with a combined investment of $10 million. In the initial four months of 2025, Can Tho garnered $48.15 million from exports to the US, with major exports including farm produce, processed goods, garments, handicrafts, and steel. Despite noting that overall trade engagement remains modest, with annual exports to the US amounting to around $200 million, Tuyen underscored the valuable US assistance in various areas, including education, healthcare, and social welfare. Moreover, Can Tho has maintained a cooperation agreement with Riverside city in California.
Tuyen also briefed Burns on the planned merger of Can Tho with the adjacent provinces of Hau Giang and Soc Trang in early September. The administrative unit reorganization is projected to increase the city's population to over four million and its area to approximately 6,000 square kilometers, creating new avenues for growth. Tuyen pointed out that the relocation of Traan De Port, currently situated in Soc Trang, to Can Tho would provide enhanced international trade access for local and regional goods.
Burns acknowledged that 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of Vietnam-US diplomatic ties and highlighted key milestones in the relationship, including the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1995, the launch of the comprehensive partnership in 2013, and the upgrade to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2023. She added that the US Consulate General is collaborating with the Can Tho Union of Friendship Organizations to arrange the Vietnam-US Friendship Festival, scheduled for September 13 in the city. Burns also expressed interest in the city's future economic orientation and policies pertaining to religious and ethnic affairs following the merger of Can Tho, Soc Trang, and Hau Giang.
Chairman of the Cần Thơ People's Committee Trương Cảnh Tuyên (right) and US Consul General in HCM City Susan Burns at the meeting on Tuesday. - VNA/VNS Photo
- The Chairman of the Can Tho People's Committee, Truong Canh Tuyen, emphasized the importance of US assistance in various sectors, such as education, healthcare, and social welfare, during the meeting.
- In addition to exploring trade and investment opportunities, Tuyen and Susan Burns also discussed the potential for collaboration in healthcare, further emphasizing its significance.
- As part of their cooperation, Can Tho and Riverside city in California have a standing agreement that contributes to the exchange of knowledge and resources in multiple sectors, including education.
- Given the upcoming merger of Can Tho with Hau Giang and Soc Trang, Tuyen expressed the hope that the US would continue to support the city in areas like education, healthcare, and trade, as this could significantly impact the city's future economic growth and international trade access.
