Cần Thơ is envisioned to become a major hub for inter-regional and international transportation, occupying a strategic location in terms of national defence, security and economy of the Mekong Delta and the country. — VNA/VNS Photo Tuấn Anh

CẦN THƠ – Cần Thơ aims to become a modern, civilised city alongside other advanced cities in ASEAN, as announced in a meeting of Cần Thơ City Party Committee on Thursday. 

The meeting summarised the implementation of the Politburo’s resolution and conclusion on the development of Cần Thơ City, which identified the important role of the locality and its mission to become “a growth pole, the driving force behind the region’s development”. 

To achieve these goals, Cần Thơ will accelerate economic restructuring, shift the focus to depth in its growth model based on advanced technology, while enhancing productivity and effective use of resources, competitiveness and comprehensive integration with the regional and global economy. 

The city will also focus on its creative ability and application of 4.0 technologies in establishing e-government and smart city.

Cần Thơ is envisioned to become a major hub for inter-regional and international transportation, occupying a strategic location in terms of national defence, security and economy of the Mekong Delta and the country. 

The city’s gross regional domestic product (GRDP) is expected to increase by 7.5 to 8 per cent in the 2020-2025 period, and 8 to 8.5 per cent in the 2025-2030 period, on a yearly average.

Cần Thơ’s GRDP per capita will reach VNĐ140 million (US$6,170) by 2025 and over VNĐ200 million ($8,820) by 2030. 

In regard to the local economic structure, in 2025 the agricultural, industrial and service sectors are expected to account for 6 per cent, 35 per cent and 60 per cent, respectively. By 2030, the service sector will increase to 61 per cent, the industrial sector 34 per cent, and the agricultural sector will decline to 4 per cent. 

The total State budget revenue is estimated to increase by 7.25 per cent per year for the 2020-2030 period and is expected to reach VNĐ22.79 trillion ($1 billion). 

Cần Thơ also set the goals to maintain its Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI) among the Top 10 of the country, with start-ups accounting for 4 to 5 per cent of newly-established enterprises.  

Within the next 10 years, Cần Thơ will develop a system of expressways connecting HCM City - Cần Thơ - Cà Mau, and from Cần Thơ to other provinces in the regions, to the border with Cambodia through Châu Đốc City.

Cần Thơ International Airport will also open up new domestic and international flight routes to make use of its full capacity. 

The city master plan for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision to 2050, will be built in a comprehensive manner that will maximise the city’s strengths and potential for the development of the Mekong Delta region. 

The Secretary of Cần Thơ City Party Committee also proposed that the Committee remain focused on COVID-19 prevention measures, and other policies and frameworks that provide support to farmers, workers, and businesses, especially small and medium enterprises and household businesses, to resume operation and overcome difficulties caused by the pandemic. — VNS