Can Tho City serves as an educational hub, hosting five universities, ten colleges, 14 vocational colleges, one national research institute, 73 vocational training facilities, and 90 vocational education facilities. These education facilities contribute to diverse training options and educational levels in Can Tho City. Approximately 77,000 students are trained in these institutions annually. Moreover, in Can Tho City and the Mekong Delta provinces, an average of 400 to 500 startup projects are initiated each year, with approximately 20% to 30% of these projects being creative startups with substantial growth potential. To support these endeavors, Can Tho City is home to about 14 startup support organizations, 5 of which provide co-working spaces. Additionally, a network of investors and venture capital funds, primarily funded by individuals and businesses, has been established to bolster these startup initiatives further.

Can Tho City has implemented various policies and programs to support youth startups such as Decision No. 844/QD-TTg dated May 18, 2016, approved by the Prime Minister, which supports the national innovation and startup ecosystem until 2025; Decision No. 897/QD-TTg, dated July 26, 2022, approved by the Prime Minister, which supports youth startups from 2022 - 2030. Furthermore, Can Tho City has local policies to create a favorable environment for young entrepreneurs. Additionally, Can Tho authorities regularly organize training courses, seminars, and conferences on startups to provide young people with the necessary knowledge and skills, helping them improve their capacity and access the resources needed for the startup process.

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

Mr. Nguyen Thuc Hien, Vice Chairman of Can Tho City People's Committee, stated that the Politburo has issued several documents to support innovative startups in Can Tho City. These include Resolution No. 59-NQ/TW dated August 5, 2020, which focuses on developing Can Tho City up to 2030 and envisioning its growth up to 2045, and Resolution No. 13-NQ/TW dated April 2, 2022, which outlines the socio-economic development directions and security priorities in the Mekong Delta region up to 2030, with a vision to 2045. With these guidelines, Can Tho has allocated land to establish large, modern industrial parks. These initiatives aim to generate more employment opportunities and encourage young graduates to stay in Can Tho and start their businesses instead of moving to other localities in the Southeast region.

NA's Committee on Culture and Education survey delegation members highly appreciated the efforts made by Can Tho authorities in developing the innovative startup movement. The city has established a dynamic startup ecosystem with business incubators, co-working spaces, and a conducive environment to attract investors. Additionally, there are efforts to connect with investment funds to support startups in training and developing human resources.

Mr. Ta Van Ha, Vice Chairman of the NA's Committee on Culture and Education and Head of the survey delegation, highly appreciated the entrepreneurial spirit of Can Tho City. He stated that the city has many outstanding advantages in the field of startups thanks to its central geographical location in the Mekong Delta, along with a system of prominent institutes and universities. He emphasized that Can Tho needs to make the most of its available potential and the preferential policies that the state has for centrally-run cities, such as Resolution 45/2022/QH15 on piloting several specific mechanisms for the development of Can Tho.

Mr. Ta Van Ha also suggested that Can Tho should continue promoting awareness about education and innovative startups. Organizing initial and final reviews of the stages of implementing startup policies is necessary to draw experience and effectively reform administrative procedures, thereby supporting startups sustainably. In case of difficulties during implementation, Can Tho City should promptly report to competent authorities for support and proactively seek solutions suitable to local realities.