According to the People's Committee of Ninh Kieu district, the district invests in organizing some activities for tourism such as the Ninh Kieu night market, an area for street vendors, renovation of Ninh Kieu Park. On that basis, Ninh Kieu walking street is built in a way that connects existing spaces and enhances community activities, thus giving Ninh Kieu the opportunity to become a prominent cultural center of the western capital (Tay Do). At the same time, creating opportunities for trade and tourism promotion in Ninh Kieu district in particular and Can Tho city in general to develop strongly and become the center of the Mekong Delta.

Mekong Construction Investment and Tourism Joint Stock Company (Mekong investment corp) is responsible for the project implementation. In the design, Ninh Kieu walking street is on Hai Ba Trung Street, with a total length of 670m, from the Can Tho Old Market to the Ninh Kieu pedestrian bridge. In particular, the project is divided into 3 main areas. Area 1, which is from the Can Tho Old Market to Ngo Quyen Street, is constructed to become a place for shopping, street food and local produce introduction; This sector is located next to Can Tho Old Market and Can Tho night market with the aim of creating a service chaining for shopping and eating. Regarding to Area 2 (from the section adjacent Ngo Quyen street to the Can Tho Marina), it is designed to become a place for street music and folk arts. As for Area 3 (from the Can Tho Marina to the pedestrian bridge), this place is for sightseeing; it is also a site for organizing events, festivals and professional performances in the pedestrian streets.

According to the plan, the project will be implemented by the end of 2018. The opening timings for the walking street is from 17 pm to 22 pm every Saturday and Sunday in the first three months. If the project works effectively, Ninh Kieu District People's Committee will consider increasing the number of opening days in the week accordingly. During that time, automobile traffic will be banned as Ninh Kieu walking street is a pedestrian zone. However, the local authorities and the organizers still create conditions for households, restaurants and bars to do business or transport goods. At the same time, the security forces will ensure the security, traffic safety and open parking lots for visitors, local people.

Mr. Tran Van Hai, a resident on Hai Ba Trung Street, Ninh Kieu District, said: "The establishment of the walking street on Hai Ba Trung Street is necessary because it not only makes the city outstanding but it also serves the needs of entertainment, strolling, sightseeing of tourists. Moreover, people have a wide, airy and clean street suitable for strolling, exercising to improve health"

Benefits of the project

In the past period, there have been Spring Flower markets and kiosks selling goods during the holidays and Tet. These activities together with the walking street will become the unique beauty of Ninh Kieu walking street. At the same time, Vo Van Tan - Nguyen Thai Hoc flower streets, Ninh Kieu night market, souvenir shops (Phan Boi Chau and Phan Chu Trinh streets) in combination with the walking street will make the whole place more hustle and bustle.

According to the Ninh Kieu Culture and Information Division, the implementation of Ninh Kieu walking street will bring about high social efficiency, because the project not only creates opportunities for exchanges on culture, tourism, introducing the typical products of Can Tho city to people and tourists, but also preserves and promotes cultural values of the nation. The highly colorful walking street and the bustling night-time activities have contributed greatly to Can Tho tourism promotion and introduced the city’s image to friends inside and outside the country. After being put into operation successfully, Ninh Kieu walking street will be expanded and invested to develop the second phase at the Hau River Park, the embankment along Cai Khe canal - Hoa Su restaurant.

Recently, in the meeting with Mekong Investment Corporation, Mr. Duong Tan Hien, Chairman of People's Committee of Ninh Kieu District, said: "Ninh Kieu is the central of Can Tho city, the implementation of the project contributes to attract and retain domestic and international tourists, raising the level of trade and service activities in Ninh Kieu district, at the same time creating a highlight of tourism in Can Tho city generally and Ninh Kieu district particularly. This is one of the solutions to develop tourism into a key economic sector according to Resolution No 03-NQ/TU of Can Tho municipal Party Committee."