Can Tho (VNA) 𒈔– The People’s Committee of the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho held a working session on August 7 with a delegation from the Australian Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, aiming to expand cooperation across a range of fields.

Australian Consul General Sarah Hooper underlined the long-standing partnership between Australia and localities in the Mekong Delta, particularly Can Tho city. She highlighted the city's large network of Australian alumni as a key bridge fostering strong bilateral ties. Cooperation programmes between Australia and Vietnam, especially those involving Can Tho, are considered meaningful drivers of future development, she noted. Hooper stressed that climate change remains a central pillar in the Australia – Vietnam comprehensive cooperation. In August 2023, Australia announced a 94.5 million AUD (roughly 60.1 million USD) aid package to support climate change adaptation efforts in Vietnam. In addition, a 15 million AUD rice value chain transformation programme is being implemented in Dong Thap and An Giang provinces. The Consulate General plans to work with project managers to expand the programme to a wider area within the Mekong Delta. Australia is also supporting a number of initiatives aimed at promoting economic growth in Vietnam, particularly in agriculture, high-tech farming, and energy transition, the diplomat noted. Welcoming the Consul General back to Can Tho, Vice Chairwoman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Thi Ngoc Diep, said the visit reflects the increasingly close and friendly relationship between Can Tho and the Australian Consulate General in HCM City. Diep informed the delegation that Can Tho is entering a new phase of development, having officially completed administrative reorganisation and mergence with the former provinces of Hau Giang and Soc Trang as of July 1, 2025. The expanded city now covers over 6,300 square kilometres with a population of more than 3.2 million. In addition to this new development space, Can Tho is seeking stronger support from international partners. The official expressed her hope that the Consulate General would serve as a bridge to connect Can Tho with Australian partners in key areas such as trade, investment, healthcare, education, and high-quality workforce training. She also called for assistance in promoting Can Tho’s signature products, such as agricultural goods, seafood, and processed foods, in the Australian market. In addition, the city hopes to strengthen ties with Australian educational institutions to develop undergraduate, postgraduate, and short- and long-term training programmes, as well as access scholarship opportunities for civil servants, teachers, and qualified students. Can Tho aims to become a major growth engine for the Mekong Delta by 2030, developing as a modern, civilised, and eco-friendly city that reflects the cultural identity of the western region of southern Vietnam. It is envisioned as a regional centre for trade, tourism, logistics, processing industries, high-tech agriculture, education, healthcare, science, technology, culture, and sports, Diep said. By 2050, the city aspires to become a modern, liveable smart city in Vietnam and one of Asia’s developed urban centres, the official added./.