The event served as a platform for networking and commercial collaboration among VCCI members in the Mekong Delta region. Attending the conference were Mr. Nguyen Thuc Hien, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Can Tho City; Mr. Vo Tan Thanh, Vice President of VCCI; Mr. Vu Ba Phu, Director General of the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (under the Ministry of Industry and Trade); along with leaders from Departments of Industry and Trade, Business Associations, and nearly 300 delegates representing enterprises from provinces across the Mekong Delta.

The conference aims to support businesses in enhancing their competitiveness and accessing sustainable markets.

In his remarks, VCCI Vice President Vo Tan Thanh emphasized that in 2024, the Mekong Delta economy continued its positive growth trajectory, largely thanks to the relentless efforts of the local business community. The region’s gross regional domestic product (GRDP) grew by 7.3%, surpassing the 6.6% recorded in 2023 and higher than the national average of 7.1%. Notably high growth rates were seen in Tra Vinh (10%), Hau Giang (8.76%), Long An (8.3%), and Kien Giang (7.5%). The region’s economy remains characterized by a significant share from agriculture, forestry, and fisheries (30.8%), services (37.5%), and industry–construction (27.3%).

Import-export activity continues to be a key growth driver, with the region’s total trade turnover in 2024 reaching USD 41.9 billion, up 17.45% year-on-year. Exports accounted for USD 28.19 billion (up 15.6%), and imports reached USD 13.76 billion (up 21.3%). Provinces with a strong trade surplus include Tien Giang, Long An, Dong Thap, and Can Tho. The Mekong Delta contributed up to 57% of the national trade surplus to the state budget.

However, a VCCI Mekong Delta survey conducted in early 2025 revealed that most enterprises are anticipating challenges ahead: 68.8% expressed concerns about inflation and rising production costs; 57.1% projected a decline in domestic consumption; and 54.5% expected a contraction in export markets. “These figures serve as a serious warning, demanding swift, decisive, and coordinated action from both public and private sectors to help businesses overcome difficulties,” Mr. Thanh stated.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuong Linh, Deputy Director of VCCI Mekong Delta, shared insights on the recent business activities in the region.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuong Linh, Deputy Director of VCCI Mekong Delta, provided a detailed account of the current business environment and challenges in the region. Key concerns highlighted by businesses included: poor transport infrastructure and rising logistics costs impacting product quality; salinity intrusion and flooding disrupting raw material areas and business operations; climate change effects; difficulties accessing land and business premises; declining domestic demand; inflation and soaring production costs; and weakening international market demand.

Mr. Nguyen Thuc Hien, Vice Chairman of the Can Tho City People's Committee, spoke at the conference.

Speaking at the conference, Mr. Nguyen Thuc Hien, Vice Chairman of the Can Tho City People's Committee, acknowledged that ongoing global complexities—such as escalating trade tensions—are disrupting international trade, potentially breaking global production and supply chains. Additionally, natural disasters, pandemics, climate change, and increasing risks to food, energy, and cybersecurity are mounting.

In response, provinces across the Mekong Delta have closely followed the Government and the Prime Minister's directives to implement solutions aimed at achieving a national growth target of 8% or more. In the first four months of 2025 alone, the region welcomed 4,981 newly established enterprises—accounting for 9.6% of the national total—registering a combined capital of VND 39.575 trillion and generating over 30,000 jobs. Compared to the same period in 2024, the number of new businesses grew by 30%, while the number of dissolved or temporarily closed businesses rose only slightly. This represents a promising sign amid persistent economic challenges in recent years.

“The conference theme is both timely and necessary for the business community. Through the insights and discussions shared today, we expect to develop practical proposals and solutions to help enterprises overcome present obstacles and continue toward stable and sustainable growth,” Vice Chairman Hien emphasized.

On this occasion, 54 new enterprises officially became members of VCCI.