Can Tho (VNA) – Can Tho city is eager to welcome US investors, especially in agricultural processing, the green economy, and the digital economy, stated Chairman of the municipal People’s C🍌ommit🍨tee Truong Canh Tuyen during a meeting with US Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Susan Burns on May 27.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed preparations for activities marking the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the US this year, as well as achievements and opportunities for strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, health care, security, education, and people-to-people exchanges. Tuyen noted that three US-invested projects are underway in the Mekong Delta city, with a combined capital of 10 million USD. In the first four months of 2025, Can Tho earned 48.15 million USD from exports to the US, with key products including farm produce, processed goods, garments, handicrafts, and steel. However, he acknowledged that overall trade ties remain modest, with annual exports to the US totalling around 200 million USD. He also highlighted meaningful US assistance for Can Tho in various areas such as education, health care, and social welfare. In addition, Can Tho maintains a cooperation agreement with Riverside city in California. Tuyen informed the Consul General about the planned merger of Can Tho with the neighbouring provinces of Hau Giang and Soc Trang in early September. The administrative unit reorganisation is expected to expand the city's population to over four million and its area to approximately 6,000 sq km, creating new space and momentum for development. This transformation will open up new opportunities and unlock local potential as Tran De Port, which is currently located in Soc Trang, offers improved international trade access for local and regional goods, he said. For her part, Consul General Burns noted that 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of Vietnam – US diplomatic ties. She highlighted key milestones in the relationship, including the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1995, the launch of the comprehensive partnership in 2013, and the elevation of ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2023 – a landmark that sets the stage for deeper and more substantive cooperation. She added the US Consulate General is working with the Can Tho Union of Friendship Organisations to organise the Vietnam – US Friendship Festival, scheduled for September 13 in the city. Burns praised the expanding partnerships between Can Tho University and American institutions in the education sector. She also expressed interest in the future economic orientation and policies concerning religious and ethnic affairs following the merger of Can Tho, Soc Trang, and Hau Giang./.