On June 27, the People's Committee of Kien Giang province coordinated with Can Tho University to organize an online seminar on Sea Economic Development - a new driving force for sustainable development of the Mekong Delta.
Speaking at the seminar, Vice Chairman of Kien Giang Provincial People's Committee Giang Thanh Khoa emphasized: the seminar is an event of special significance, not only a professional meeting, but a convergence of vision, intelligence and development aspirations; a place to connect resources - create solutions - promote common actions for a sustainable marine future for the whole region and Vietnam.
Mekong Delta - the land of the " chin Rong" is not only the largest rice, fruit and seafood production center in the country, but also an area with great potential for the sea.
The whole region has 13 provinces and cities, of which 7 provinces are bordering the sea, with a coastline of more than 700 km, accounting for nearly 25% of the total coastline of our country; and has over 360,000 km2 of adjacent economically special status areas.
With these natural advantages, the marine economy is contributing significantly to the country's development. The region accounts for over 52% of the country's total seafood output, more than 60% of farming output, contributing nearly 40% of seafood export turnover. Coastal destinations such as Phu Quoc, Ha Tien, Ca Mau, Bac Lieu... are attracting tens of millions of tourists each year; offshore wind power projects, renewable energy, seaports and logistics services are taking shape, opening up new development prospects...
Kien Giang is currently one of the leading provinces in the country in terms of seafood exploitation and marine farming. In 2024, the province's total seafood output will reach nearly 850,000 tons, of which exploitation accounts for more than 63%. Sea tourism - especially in Phu Quoc - attracts more than 5 million visitors, contributing significantly to the province's economic growth.
Coastal economic zones and marine ecological urban areas are clearly forming, aiming to visualize Kien Giang as a multi-sector, multi-field marine economic center of the Southwest region.
In particular, from July 1, 2025, after merging with An Giang, the new An Giang province will not only expand geographical space, but also connect the strengths of the marine economy - high-tech agriculture - cultural ecotourism and border trade. This is a turning point to reshape the development strategy, become stronger, more comprehensive, and contribute more to the country.
Vice Chairman of Kien Giang Provincial People's Committee Giang Thanh Khoa added that the marine economy is not only a growth driver, but also a foundation for ensuring security, defense, sovereignty and international integration.
Developing the marine economy is a long journey, requiring a large vision and the support of many forces. The People's Committee of Kien Giang province is committed to accompanying ministries, branches, provinces in the region and domestic and international organizations, and the business community to implement the Mekong Delta marine economic development strategy in a synchronous, effective, responsible and sustainable manner.
We hope that after today's seminar, there will be more practical initiatives and policy recommendations, in line with the characteristics of the region and the implementation capabilities of the locality; at the same time, expanding the door to cooperation with domestic and foreign partners to jointly create a sustainable future for the development of the marine economy said Mr. Giang Thanh Khoa.
At the seminar, representatives of ministries, localities, institutes/schools, and enterprises discussed the development of Kien Giang into a national marine economic center. With topics such as: Seafood farming, exploitation and processing; Environment and marine resources; Aiming to build and operate a Center for marine species conservation and development in Phu Quoc; Research and application of science, technology and digital transformation in the development of the marine economy; Developing the modernization and sustainable marine economy; New energy/Renewable energy; Human resources for marine economic development; marine tourism; Transport and logistics of goods;SDMD and Cooperation for the development of Kien Giang marine economy.
On this occasion, Can Tho University and Phu Quoc Sun Company Limited - SUN Group signed a MOU. Awarding scholarships from Sun Group Southern Region worth 50 million VND to students of Can Tho University.
