Spanish diplomat discuss with Can Tho leader on urban renewal plan and TOD model development

On the afternoon of 06 May 2022, Can Tho city leader, Mr. Duong Tan Hien, Standing Vice Chairman of the City People's Committee, had a meeting with Mr. Nestor Santos Franco, Economic and Commercial Counselor, Embassy of Spain in Vietnam, on proposing urban renewal plan and developing new model of TOD (Transit Oriented Development) for the downtown area.

At the meeting, the representative of the Department of Construction presented the proposed research plan for urban renewal and TOD of the city center in Ninh Kieu District. This plan covers an area of ​​360ha, and the scope of deployment is mainly carried out along the banks of Can Tho river, Hau river, and Khai Luong canal. The main objective of this plan is to upgrade space, landscape architecture and cultural activities, trade and services in Ninh Kieu Quay area.

Mr. Nestor Santos Franco said that Spain highly appreciates the idea and feasibility of the "Plan for urban renewal and TOD model development for the downtown area". Spain and Vietnam have signed financial cooperation programs, in which special priority is given to the field of response to climate change. These are the advantages for Spain to support Can Tho to effectively implement the plan

The Spanish Counsellor suggested that Can Tho city focus on detailed planning on urban infrastructure development included in the Plan. In particular, focus should be on developing a tram system, which can connect Ninh Kieu Quay with neighboring localities.

Mr. Duong Tan Hien, Standing Vice Chairman of Can Tho City People's Committee, thanked the goodwill from Spain, and he shared that Can Tho has been implementing many specific projects to develop culture, commerce, space, landscape architecture of the whole city in general and Ninh Kieu Quay area in particular. However, the current urban development of the city is still not commensurate with the central position of the Mekong Delta. Therefore, the city hopes that the Spanish side, besides providing financial support for the implementation of the Plan, will share more experience in developing tourism services, urban design and smart technology, and at the same time, help Can Tho has access to loans from the Spanish government to develop a smart urban model, adapting to climate change in the most effective way.