Addressing the event, Phan Van Mai, Chairman of the city People’s Committee, HCM City and Mekong Delta localities have experienced the most difficult time due to COVID-19. The Mekong Connect aims to seek solutions for them to boost economic recovery in 2022 in the new normal, he said.

He noted that HCM City and Mekong Delta localities have shared connections in transport, human resources, business and production chain, maritime economy, startup ecosystem, supporting industries and market stabilization and development, as well as pandemic prevention and control.

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Phan Van Mai, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee addresses the forum.

Mai suggested that participants focus on issues related to interest and the development connection among the localities, while giving proposals on fostering the links between the city and regional localities, and agreeing on joint actions in the work.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan said that Mekong Connect 2021 is a chance for leaders of the localities and ministries and sectors to exchange ideas to promote the connectivity between HCM City and 13 Mekong Delta cities and provinces, with the important role of the business community.

According to Hoan, it is necessary to change the mindset from agricultural production to agricultural economy with stronger engagement of enterprises.

Representatives from the Ministry of Science and Technology held that it is crucial to form and develop an open innovation model, supporting enterprises to update latest technologies, and dealing with problems in product development.

Open innovation is the way for Mekong Delta localities to optimize resources for their socio-economic development, along with the formation of a science-technology market, they held.

Within the forum’s framework, an exchange program was held with young agricultural entrepreneurs innovative startup ecosystem, along with an exhibition on agricultural technologies, equipment and machineries.

Source: VNA