CẦN THƠ – The Mekong Delta city of Cần Thơ expects to receive Canadian investment in high-tech agriculture so that local staples can meet stringent requirements in some foreign markets.

During a working session in Cần Thơ on May 13 with Canadian General Consul in HCM City Kyle Nunas, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of the city Trương Quang Hoài Nam said the Mekong Delta region and Cần Thơ City in particular hold enormous potential in agricultural products, however, limitations in technologies in post-harvest, processing and packaging mean local goods have failed to enter many choosy markets.

As Canada is a strong supplier of modern machines for production and processing of agro-fishery products, Cần Thơ hopes to receive the General Consul’s support to lure Canadian investment in the field.

"Cần Thơ City welcomes Canadian infrastructure projects, especially warehouses, roads and bridges, to serve local agricultural economic development," he said.

Currently, Cần Thơ is calling for foreign investment in a high-tech agricultural station in Vĩnh Thạnh District’s Thạnh Tiến Commune, a high-tech agricultural and ecotourism site in Thạnh Tiến Commune, infrastructure at Thốt Nốt Industrial Park’s second phase, infrastructure at Ô Môn Industrial Park and many other projects.

According to Kyle Nunas Vietnamese fresh fruits have good opportunities for export if advanced technologies are applied in the growing, harvesting, processing and packaging process.

According to the local Department of External Affairs, Cần Thơ exported US$7.7 million worth of goods to Canada, with such key staples as rice, seafood and garments. Meanwhile, it spent $1.9 million importing materials and machines from the North American country. - VNS