In attendance at the head bridge of Can Tho City were: Lieutenant General Nguyen Duy Ngoc, Central Party Committee member, Deputy Minister of Public Security; Mr. Nguyen Van Hieu, Central Party Committee alternate member, Secretary of the Can Tho City Party Committee; Mr. Tran Viet Truong, Chairman of the People's Committee of Can Tho city; leaders of ministries including Health, Labor - Invalids and Social Affairs, Industry and Trade, Finance, Foreign Affairs, Agriculture and Rural Development, and the Government Office. The conference was connected online with the Government Office and bridge points in 12 provinces in the Southwest region.

In his report at the conference, Mr. Tran Viet Truong, Chairman of the People's Committee of Can Tho City, stated that the city is focusing on combating various issues, including drug abuse in schools; drug prevention and control among adolescents; drug prevention and control in regulated business establishments; drug prevention and control in industrial zones and export processing zones; and preventing and combating drug abuse “disguised” as food, beverages, electronic cigarettes, and illegal activities related to "laughing gas". Regarding the efforts to combat human trafficking, the city's police have initiated one case and two suspects have been charged with "Trafficking in persons and trafficking in persons under 16 years old"...

Speaking at the conference, Lieutenant General Nguyen Duy Ngoc, Deputy Minister of Public Security, stated that in the fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, the Ministry of Public Security has assigned tasks to relevant agencies and localities. Local authorities have closely followed the plans and directions of the Ministry of Public Security while taking strict actions against unauthorized entry and exit via fishing vessels.

Regarding general criminal activities, there have been significant changes after the COVID-19 pandemic, with operations conducted in three highly complex methods. The Ministry of Public Security has been proactive, providing guidance and implementing effective strategies to combat various types of crimes. They have successfully dismantled and cracked down on seven dangerous criminal groups. As for drug-related crimes, the situation is highly complex, with nationwide operations of large-scale and daring criminal organizations. The Ministry of Public Security has issued strong directives to fight against and eradicate drug trafficking networks. Local police regularly employ measures to identify, manage, prevent, and combat individuals exhibiting signs of mental disorders or drug-induced delirium, who violate the law.

Mr. Tran Viet Truong, Chairman of Can Tho City People's Committee, spoke at the conference.

In his concluding remarks at the conference, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang praised the achievements of the provinces and cities in the Southwest region in terms of leadership and guidance in combating IUU fishing, demarcation of boundaries, crime prevention, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and the fight against smuggling, trade fraud, and counterfeit goods.

According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the Mekong Delta is currently facing two major challenges, namely inadequate transportation infrastructure that does not match the region's position and potential, and the impact of climate change on Vietnam, with the Mekong Delta being the most heavily affected.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang acknowledged the suggestions and proposals of the localities and stated that the Government would review and make appropriate adjustments. He also emphasized that the conference is not a "magic wand," but it requires the relevant ministries and localities to pay more attention, make efforts, and strive in the four mentioned areas. He noted that "the more attention a locality pays, the better the results will be."

Regarding the issue of combating IUU fishing, the Deputy Prime Minister requested the localities to effectively manage fishing vessels, prevent violations, and take strict actions against any violations (both criminal and administrative) to establish a general deterrent effect. In the long term, the localities should adopt appropriate measures to increase and regenerate aquatic resources, improve the livelihoods of the people, and gradually transition occupations with specific plans.

Conference scene

In the work of combating drug trafficking, human trafficking, smuggling, trade fraud, and counterfeit goods, the Deputy Prime Minister urged the ministries, departments, and the 13 provinces and cities in the Southwest region to vigorously fight against drug-related crimes, cross-border smuggling, and particularly the issue of counterfeit fertilizers and smuggling of petroleum products at sea.

Regarding the high rates of drug addiction and HIV infection in the Mekong Delta, the Deputy Prime Minister called on the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs to pay attention and address certain existing difficulties in terms of treatment and provide appropriate policies for staff and doctors working at healthcare centers and rehabilitation facilities.