The Mekong Delta region in southern Vietnam is a major producer of rice, fruits, and marine products, with exports accounting for 20 percent of the country’s GDP, making it an important region for the country’s socioeconomy and neighboring Mekong countries. It is also one of the three deltas most affected by climate change in the world, and is expected to see a decrease in harvests in the agricultural and fisheries industries due to warming, high salinity, and humidity caused by climate change. In order to realize these goals, it is essential to further strengthen scientific research and technological development in this field, as well as to promote cooperation among industry, government, and academia, and institutions of higher education are expected to play a central role in this effort. The Japanese government has been supporting Cantho University (CTU), the core university in the region, by providing a research laboratory building and equipment for education and research, training faculty members, improving research capabilities, and expanding educational programs. As a result, the foundation for education and research as a regional core university has been established, but it is necessary to further strengthen the system to systematically drive collaboration with various stakeholders for regional cooperation. In addition, there is a need to strengthen the capacity and structure to systematically implement regional cooperation in order to disseminate methods and know-how to return the results of education and research to the local community.
This cooperation will contribute to the sustainable development of agriculture and aquaculture in the Mekong Delta region by building a regional cooperation network and improving the practical capacity of regional cooperation activities through the implementation of practical education and training at CTU, the expansion of social implementation of research results, and the strengthening of the regional cooperation implementation system. We will contribute to the sustainable development of agriculture and aquaculture in the Mekong Delta region by strengthening the implementation system of regional cooperation.
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