The Mekong Delta city of Can Tho 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 Can Tho on May 13 with Canadian General Consul in HCM City Kyle Nunas, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of the city Truong Quang Hoai Nam said the Mekong Delta region and Can Tho 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, Can Tho hopes to receive the General Consul’s support to lure Canadian investment in the field.

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

Currently, Can Tho is calling for foreign investment in a high-tech agricultural station in Vinh Thanh District’s Thanh Tien Commune, a high-tech agricultural and ecotourism site in Thanh Tien Commune, infrastructure at Thot Not Industrial Park’s second phase, infrastructure at O Mon 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, Can Tho 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