In the first quarter of 2026, the socio-economic situation of Can Tho city recorded many positive signs, with growth in most key sectors such as: industry, trade - services, import and export and tourism. However, the city still faces many difficulties from world economic fluctuations, fuel prices and production cost pressure.
According to Mr. Nguyen Van Ben - Deputy Director of Can Tho City Department of Finance, in the industrial sector, the index of industrial production development (IIP) is estimated to increase by 10.45% compared to the same period. In which, the processing and manufacturing industry increased by 11.2%; production and distribution of electricity, gas, hot water, steam and air conditioning increased by 2.2%; water supply and waste and wastewater management and treatment activities increased by 3.5%.
In the field of trade - services, total retail sales of goods and service revenue are estimated at 61,219.5 billion VND, an increase of 14.1% compared to the same period. Import and export activities continued to grow, with export value of goods and foreign currency revenue estimated at 1,499 million USD, an increase of 9.8%; imports reached 354.3 million USD, an increase of 7.4% compared to the same period.
Tourism continues to be a bright spot of the city's economy. In the first quarter of 2026, Can Tho welcomed 3,441,000 visitors, an increase of 25% compared to the same period, reaching 28% of the annual plan. Of which, international visitors reached 192,200, reaching 31% of the annual plan. Number of overnight visitors reached 1,355,000, an increase of 33%, of which international overnight visitors reached 147,800. Total tourism revenue reached 3,099 billion VND, an increase of 32% compared to the same period.
According to the assessment of the Can Tho City Department of Finance, in the first quarter of 2026, the commodity market was generally stable. Trade and services grew well, exports maintained their growth momentum, and key commodities all recorded positive results, reflecting the efforts of businesses in expanding the market.
However, the city still has some shortcomings and limitations. Economic growth has not met expectations; the situation of counterfeit and fake goods on e-commerce platforms and social networks is increasingly sophisticated, causing difficulties for market management. In addition, gasoline and oil prices have increased due to international geopolitical tensions, increasing logistics costs, affecting production and consumption. Foreign direct investment attraction has also not had clear changes in the first months of the year.
For the second quarter of 2026, Mr. Nguyen Van Ben informed that the city focuses on accelerating the disbursement of public investment capital, improving the efficiency of key projects, and at the same time clearly defining the responsibility of the heads in implementation. Slow-progress projects will be reviewed and capital transferred in a timely manner to avoid affecting growth.
In addition, promote the development of social housing, ensure the completion of 2026 targets, strengthen the prevention of negativity, loss, and waste. Budget revenue collection is tightened, preventing revenue loss and handling tax arrears; budget expenditures are managed in a saving and efficient direction, prioritizing development investment.
