Comprehensive strategic cooperation partner

Can Tho has been working hard to boost its foreign affairs activities in the past few years, with the aim of contributing to the city's socio-economic development. The city has issued several documents and implementation plans on cultural diplomacy, economic diplomacy, assistance for Vietnamese people abroad, and information exchange. In terms of investment cooperation, Can Tho considers China as a comprehensive strategic cooperation partner. Can Tho is now home to 17 Chinese projects in the fields of manufacturing, trade, and services with a total registered capital of 111.79 million USD.

Chairman of Can Tho Municipal People’s Committee Tran Viet Truong and the delegation of Can Tho City worked with the Import-Export Association of Guangdong province and businesses of Guangdong province. Photo: CTV

In 2023, Can Tho exported 140.24 million USD worth of goods to China, mostly rice, aquatic products, garments, fruits, feathers, farm produce, and processed agricultural products. Its imports totaled 68.78 million USD, primarily agricultural chemicals, fertilizers, pharmaceutical materials, fabrics, sewing accessories, aquatic materials, and other materials.

Regarding people-to-people diplomacy, the Vietnam-China Friendship Association in Can Tho City, established in 1993, regularly participates in diplomatic activities with Can Tho City leaders to welcome many delegations, organizations, and investors from China to Can Tho City for cooperation and investment purposes. The association is committed to promoting people's diplomacy through activities that strengthen international solidarity, while actively contributing to the city's social security development.

The year 2023 marks an important milestone in the diplomatic relationship between Vietnam and China as the two countries celebrated the 73rd anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations (18/1/1950 - 18/1/2023) and the 15th anniversary of the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership (2008-2023).

Can Tho City and Guangdong Province’s Shantou City signed a cooperation agreement for 19 years (2005 - 2024). In 2005, the two localities signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Shantou, China on friendly relations and cooperation in several areas such as economics, culture, education, tourism, healthcare, and sports. This agreement laid the foundation for the relationship between the two localities. Shantou City also supported Can Tho in building a Chinese language school, which has greatly benefited the Chinese community in the city.

On December 7, 2023, the Department of Industry and Trade of Can Tho City signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Import-Export Association of Guangdong Province to establish cooperative relationships and connect businesses in Can Tho City with enterprises in Guangdong Province.

Exploit the advantages of both sides

The delegation from Can Tho City to China has the participation of several businesses interested in cooperating with Chinese enterprises and expanding business into the Chinese market. During the 5-day visit, the delegation had meetings with the Consulate General of Vietnam in Guangzhou City, the Trade Promotion Department of Guangzhou City, the Import-Export Association of Guangdong province, and several businesses of Guangdong province to discuss investment opportunities and the export of agricultural and aquatic products. They also worked with agencies and departments of Shantou City, Guangdong Province to implement the MoU between the two cities. Additionally, they visited and worked at Shanghai Chemical Industrial Park, High-tech Industrial Park for semiconductor electronic technology, and SUEZ TenoFrance Group to explore investment opportunities in wastewater treatment for industrial parks.

Chairman of Can Tho Municipal People’s Committee Tran Viet Truong (right) presented a gift to the Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs of Guangzhou City. Photo: CTV

On the first day, the Can Tho delegation worked with the Trade Promotion Department of Guangzhou City. The two parties explored opportunities for cooperation and focused on opening a direct flight route between Can Tho and Guangzhou. Although the Chinese partner recognized Can Tho's potential as a suitable location for connecting flights, the COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult for the airline (China Southern) to open new routes quickly. However, both parties will continue to work this out at a better time.

During their meeting with the Import-Export Association of Guangdong Province, the two sides discussed their cooperation plans for the near future. This included organizing events to connect businesses on both sides and exchanging information on relevant legal documents, standards, regulations, and conditions for import and export goods for both markets to promote trade. This will contribute to the sustainable development for both sides. Can Tho City leaders also participated in the discussion, sharing information and answering questions for businesses to enhance mutual understanding and promote cooperation and investment between the two parties in the coming time.

Mr. Wu Shaowei, Chairman of the Import-Export Association of Guangdong Province, and Mr. Huang Jianbo, Director of the Representative Office of Guangdong Province in Southeast Asia, recognize the development potential of Can Tho City. They plan to introduce the potential and advantages of Can Tho to the business community of Guangdong province. This will create the most favorable conditions for businesses from both sides to seek cooperation opportunities.

The working program with the Shantou City government aims to prepare for the 20th anniversary of the two localities signing a cooperation document (2005-2025). The program will help remove obstacles and create the best conditions for practical and effective implementation of the signed MoU. Particularly, the MoU promotes cooperative relationships in the following fields: physical training and sports; education; culture; seaport; import and export of goods, especially agricultural and aquatic products of Can Tho. The program also aims to promote investment cooperation in fields both sides need such as the processing industry, manufacturing industry, high-tech agriculture, tourism, etc.

The SUEZ Group is an organization that utilizes advanced technology and has extensive experience in environmental services, specifically in urban and industrial wastewater treatment, waste collection and treatment, waste gas treatment, and creating value from waste through recycled materials and energy. The representative of the Can Tho City government is expected to propose a working program with the SUEZ Group, during which the group will conduct practical research on environmental issues in the city while identifying areas for cooperation and implementation.

Comrade Tran Viet Truong has noted that there is great potential for development and expansion in the cooperation and trade between Can Tho City and the SUEZ Group, given Can Tho's ability to supply diverse goods. The city is committed to creating the most favorable conditions for businesses to develop stably and sustainably, with an open investment environment that attracts all resources for development investment. The Can Tho government pledges to accompany businesses and investors in the process of learning and implementing business investment in the city, sharing potential, and developing together.

Chairman of Can Tho Municipal People’s Committee Tran Viet Truong (R) during a working session with the Guangdong Import-Export Association and businesses of Guangdong province. Photo: CTV

Chairman of Can Tho Municipal People’s Committee Tran Viet Truong stated that Can Tho has great potential, strengths, and a diverse range of goods to offer. Therefore, there is still room for cooperation and expansion between the two sides. He also mentioned that Can Tho City is committed to creating a favorable environment for businesses to develop sustainably, by providing an open investment environment to attract all resources for development investment. Can Tho also aims to become a reliable and attractive destination for investors.