The People's Committee of Can Tho city has just issued a decision to approve the implementation of the project for night-time economy development in the city (Ninh Kieu is the first district to pilot night-time services).

According to the municipal People's Committee, the overnight services of Can Tho city, especially in Ninh Kieu district, focus on 3 main sections. The first is the section for food, drinks, and recreation from 6 pm to 10 pm at Tay Do Night Market (old market), Ninh Kieu night market, Tran Phu night market. Second, it is the area for street food and restaurants on Vo Van Kiet street, the roundabout of Bun Xang lake, the roundabout of Xang Thoi lake. Third, it is the area for supermarkets and small shops serving domestic customers and tourists converge on the roads of Mau Than, Nguyen Trai, Tran Hung Dao, 30/4, etc. Besides, the city's current night-time economic development project focuses on four groups of services namely entertainment, culinary, shopping, and sightseeing.

Under the pilot plan, Ninh Kieu district is selected to be the destination for overnight services. Moreover, the city would organize pedestrianized spaces around Hau River Park and Ninh Kieu Wharf, its popular tourist destinations, as well as develop night markets combined with pedestrian streets. Outdoor activities would be held frequently on weekend nights. In addition, bars and restaurants in Ninh Kieu District would be allowed to stay open until 2 a.m. while some tour services taking visitors to watch dawn on Hau River, explore the gardens and rivers by canoe or visit Cai Rang floating market can operate overnight. In particular, the city calls for public-private cooperation with enterprises to effectively exploit the land fund around the Hau river embankment, invest in infrastructure and auxiliary works to turn this place into a highlight to attract domestic and international visitors through cultural events such as Đờn ca tài tử (traditional Southern Music), hò Cần Thơ (Can Tho chanting), cultural activities of ethnic Kinh - Hoa - Khmer - Cham, festivals, festivals, long-term promotion campaigns. Besides, the city also arranges commodity groups, develops specialized streets, formulate mechanisms, policies, and plans for the night-time economic development of the city.

Regarding the time of piloting the project, there will be two phases. The first phase focuses on the district of Ninh Kieu (on the embankment of the Hau River and clusters of available overnight services). This phase aims to develop a driving force for night-time economy development as the first step for the comprehensive development plan in the city. Phase 2 will be implemented in the remaining districts across the city for areas with potential for night-time economy development. In particular, Can Tho will implement night-time services across many parts of the city in an effort to bolster its tourism sector and boost socio-economic development after one to two years of piloting.

Regarding the long-term orientation, the city will review, arrange and improve the operation of existing clusters of overnight services. Moreover, the planning for a night-time economic center with modern, efficient, and new types of overnight services will be formed through the calling for public-private cooperation from capable enterprises.

The Decision also clearly shows that the Can Tho city has the most optimal, practical, and effective support mechanism to help companies and business establishments have more resources to develop night-time services.