Investment promotion business trip in the Netherlands and Belgium

Mr. Pham Van Hieu delivered his remarks at the IPEI Belgium – BESIX – Ice Loft Consortium meeting

From May 7 to 14, Can Tho City organized an investment promotion business trip in the Netherlands and Belgium. Mr. Pham Van Hieu, Standing Deputy Secretary of the City Party Committee, Chairman of the City People's Council led the delegation.

The purpose of the business trip is to work with investors to introduce and update information on investment opportunities, policies and orientations to attract foreign investment for projects of the agro-business hub in the Mekong Delta and the Grade II logistics center in Can Tho City. The delegation also worked with partners in the fields of climate change, environmental protection and the IPEI - BESIX - Ice Loft Consortium in implementing the Letter of Intent signed in 2022.

Working with The Ocean Cleanup, Mr. Pham Van Hieu thanked the Organization for handing over the Interceptor 003 to collect plastic trash in Hau River.The Ocean Cleanup is working very closely with the Department of Natural Resources and Environment to have reports on the results of trial operation of the Interceptor, and the two sides are considering a proposal to sign a new and comprehensive cooperation agreement to upgrade, expand and scale up the pilot project.

At Clear Rivers, Mr. Pham Van Hieu thanked the Organization for choosing Can Tho City as the place to implement the pilot project to improve the collection of river plastic by litter traps and establishing a local recycling system. Clear Rivers has been working in Can Tho since 2017 and has coordinated with NGO partners, departments, international and local research centers to lay the groundwork for a pilot project. The City will actively and closely coordinate with the Organization so that the pilot project can be implemented soon. The City leader also committed to support the project so that it could be implemented effectively, contributing to the reduction of environmental pollution in rivers and canals. 

Meeting with leaders of IPEI and BESIX, the head of the delegation of Can Tho City informed the Consortium about the progress of implementing the agro-business hub in Can Tho City. The City has coordinated with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and relevant ministries of the Government of Vietnam to develop a project to establish the Hub and has consulted with central agencies, localities in the Mekong Delta, Ho Chi Minh City, experts, etc. Currently, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has submitted to the Prime Minister for the project approval.

While waiting for the Prime Minister's approval, Can Tho City has been preparing the agricultural raw material area in Can Tho to supply the Hub when it is established and put into operation. The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is conducting an assessment on the current status of raw material areas and production linkages in the fields of cultivation, husbandry and aquaculture. Based on the assessment of the current situation, according to the city's integrated agricultural planning orientation, the City will issue a plan to improve the quality of the achieved regions, and at the same time propose a plan to develop the remaining areas in terms of area, capacity, certification of standards, etc. It is expected that the plan will be completed in the second quarter of this year.

Mr. Marc Stordiau, CEO of IPEI Belgium said that the IPEI Belgium – BESIX – Ice Loft consortium is very interested in investing in the projects of Can Tho City as stated in the signed Letter of Intent in 2022. The Consortium has studied and drafted a master plan for a cool cabin area for the sorting, processing and packaging of agricultural products, and hopes to continue to receive support and coordination from Can Tho City so that it can soon implement the projects.

The delegation also visited Greenyard, one of the leading fruit and vegetable companies in Belgium. The company has 3 main products, including fresh, prepared, and frozen fruits and vegetables. Greenyard's turnover of fresh products is 3.6 billion Euros with the capacity of 2 million tons per year and 27 distribution centers. The company is ranked second in frozen vegetables and fruits in Europe and exports to more than 80 countries in the world. In terms of prepared fruits and vegetables, the company produces 270,000 tons products and exports to more than 40 countries.

Mr. Pham Van Hieu (R) handed gift to Mr. Boyan Slat (L), CEO and Founder

of The Ocean Cleanup

Can Tho delegates had a group photo with Clear Rivers members