INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON

INVESTMENT AND DEVELOPMENT FOR AGRICULTURAL MARKETS AND

RURAL TOURISM IN THE MEKONG DELTA

On September 28^th, 2022, the School of Economics CSE, Can Tho University (CTU) in collaboration with the Union of Friendship Organizations of Can Tho City and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation Vietnam (FNF) organized the international conference entitled “Investment and development for agricultural product markets and rural tourism in the Mekong River Delta”. The participants of this conference included more than 130 representatives of local government and agencies, and scientists inside and outside the Mekong River Delta. Specifically, the conference had the participation of experts and scientists from Germany and Indonesia.

Overview of the Conference at the School of Economics CSE, Can Tho University 

The conference was organised with a plenary session, in which 4 key papers were presented, including (1) “From Can Tho to Germany: EVFTA and Agricultural Products” by Prof. Dr. Andreas Stoffers, Country Director of FNF, Germany, (2) “Market solutions to stabilize rice prices for farmers in the Mekong River Delta” by Assoc. Dr. Le Khuong Ninh - Rector of the School of Economics CSE presented; (3) “The Role of Cultural Distance on International Tourism Arrivals in the ASEAN Region: A Gravity Model” by Dr. Miguel Angel Esquivias, Airlangga University, Indonesia and (4) “The Role of Cooperatives in Improving the Financial Efficiency of Vietnamese agriculture: the Case of Rice Farming in the Mekong River Delta” by Dr. Sitti Rahma Ma'Mun, Muhammadiyah Kendari University, Indonesia presented. 

After the plenary session, there were 3 specific parallel sessions including (1) Investment and development of the agricultural products market, (2) Agricultural production and sustainable development, and (3) Rural tourism development. In these 3 parallel sessions, there are 15 papers selected and presented, the content of the conference included diverse issues of Agricultural Economy, Fishery Economy, Rural Tourism Economy, Tourism Management Rural, Agricultural Management, Fisheries Management, Natural Resources, and Environment Economics, Trade in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Risk Management in Agriculture, Risk Management in Rural Tourism, and other related topics.

Prof. Dr. Tran Ngoc Hai, Vice Rector of Can Tho University, delivering the opening speech

Dr. Nguyen Van Hong, Vice Chairman of Can Tho City People's Committee, speaking at the conference 

Dr. Nguyen Trung Nhan, Chairman of the Can Tho Fatherland Front Committee, presenting souvenirs to FNF Director

A/Prof. Dr. Le Khuong Ninh, Rector of the School of Economics CSE, on behalf of the Organizing Committee, presenting flowers to the delegates 

The conference has brought an opportunity for entrepreneurs and scientists to exchange research results and experiences as well as propose practical solutions to trigger potential, attract investment and develop the market for agricultural products as well as rural tourism in the Mekong River Delta, especially taking advantage of its inherent strengths, towards the goal of sustainable growth for the region.

Prof. Dr. Andreas Stoffers, Country Director of FNF, presenting the topic on From Can Tho to Germany: EVFTA and Agricultural Products

A/Prof.Dr. Le Khuong Ninh reporting on market solutions to stabilize rice prices for farmers in the Mekong River Delta

The conference drew experiences and lessons from other countries in developing sustainable agricultural markets and rural tourism; identify trends in agricultural product development and rural tourism in the context of globalization and industrial revolution 4.0. Many policy recommendations are proposed for the Mekong River Delta region in developing agricultural product markets and rural tourism in the new context. In addition, the conference also opens up opportunities for businesses in Can Tho city and businesses in Germany to learn and discuss the potential for investment cooperation, strengthen trade connections, and cooperate in developing industrial agriculture high technology, creating conditions for businesses to meet and seek business cooperation opportunities.

Out of the conference, more than 40 outstanding quality papers have been gathered and have been printed into the proceedings book of the International Conference with the ISBN number under the list of the Vietnam State Council of Professor Titles edited by A/Prof. Dr. Le Khuong Ninh.

Photos of delegates discussing at the conference

Group photo of delegates at the International Conference