Mr. Duong Tan Hien, Standing Vice Chairman of Can Tho City People’s Committee, and Mr. Nguyen Thuc Hien, Vice Chairman of Can Tho City People’s Committee, representatives from various departments and agencies and many local export enterprises, attended the meeting.

According to Can Tho Municipal Department of Industry and Trade, export turnover to the U.S. in 2024 reached USD 192.28 million, accounting for 11% of the city’s total exports. Key export products included rice, seafood, agricultural products, apparel, steel, and related goods. Currently, 28 enterprises in the city are exporting to the U.S. market.

Specifically, rice exports amounted to USD 13.56 million, representing 2.48% of the total, and came from 6 enterprises; seafood exports reached USD 95.24 million, accounting for 16.37% of the total, sourced from 14 enterprises; agricultural and processed products totaled USD 5.3 million, or 3.25%, from 1 enterprise; apparel exports were valued at USD 65.81 million, making up 39.40% of the total and originating from 5 enterprises; steel and related products generated USD 2.96 million, 7.32% from 1 enterprise; handicraft exports amounted to USD 9.32 million from 1 enterprise.

Mr. Duong Tan Hien, Standing Vice Chairman of Can Tho City People’s Committee, spoke at the conference.

However, if implemented, the 46 percent tariff would raise the cost of goods by nearly half, hitting the competitiveness of Vietnamese products against those from countries facing lower rates. The apparel and seafood sectors have been hit the hardest among Can Tho City's leading export industries.

During the conference, business representatives proposed the city government push for practical support policies from the central government, especially for the severely affected apparel and seafood sectors. They requested assistance in lowering land lease fees and wastewater treatment costs, increasing trade promotion efforts, and expanding export and domestic markets. Additionally, they called for specific policies to stabilize production, secure jobs, and ensure steady incomes for workers.

Enterprise representative spoke at the conference.

In his closing remarks, Vice Chairman Duong Tan Hien commended local businesses' resilience, creativity, and adaptability in navigating the current difficulties. He emphasized that to achieve the 2025 economic growth target of 10.5% to 11%, the city must implement comprehensive measures, including timely resolution of business challenges.

The official assigned the Can Tho Municipal Department of Industry and Trade to take the lead in coordinating with other relevant agencies to promptly compile business feedback and advise the city on proposals to the central government. He also urged the development of supportive policies on land lease rates and environmental costs to create favorable conditions for business recovery and growth.

In addition, Vice Chairman Hien called on local authorities to accelerate administrative reforms and tighten product traceability measures to enhance the reputation and competitiveness of local goods in international markets. He encouraged businesses to improve management capacity, optimize production costs, stay updated on market trends, and proactively prepare flexible adaptation strategies in the new global trade environment.