AusCham Meets with Can Tho Leadership to Explore Investment and Collaboration Opportunities

Can Tho, 24 June 2025 — Demonstrating a deepening economic partnership between Australia and Vietnam, a delegation from the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (AusCham), led by Executive Director Mr. Edwin Law, visited Can Tho on 24 June to explore investment opportunities and enhance bilateral cooperation. The delegation was warmly welcomed by Mr. Trương Cảnh Tuyên, Chairman of the Can Tho People’s Committee, alongside senior representatives from relevant departments of Can Tho City and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) Can Tho.

This engagement formed part of the Mekong Delta Investment and Trade Discovery Tour (23–27 June), a flagship initiative jointly implemented by AusCham and the Australian Government to promote sustainable development, enhance business linkages, and unlock new opportunities for Australian enterprises in the Mekong region.

A Strategic Shift: The Emergence of Greater Can Tho

Effective 1 July 2025, Can Tho will officially merge with Hau Giang and Soc Trang provinces to form “Greater Can Tho”—an expanded administrative and economic region spanning more than 6,400 km² and home to over 4.2 million people. Chairman Tuyên emphasized that this transformation will position the region as a key economic engine for the Mekong Delta, particularly in high-potential sectors such as high-tech agriculture, green logistics, and renewable energy.

Key infrastructure projects discussed included the Tran De deep-water port, a 415-hectare high-tech agriculture zone in Hau Giang, a 28-hectare digital economy park, and a 250-hectare agro-processing complex. These initiatives underscore the region’s ambition to become a national hub for sustainable agri-logistics and innovation-led growth.

The Chairman also reaffirmed Can Tho’s commitment to attracting foreign investment through a wide range of incentives, including streamlined land access, tax relief, and investor-friendly regulatory support.

AusCham’s Engagement and Strategic Vision

The AusCham delegation featured over 14 Australian companies across sectors such as education, energy, infrastructure, agribusiness, and clean technology. Mr. Edwin Law applauded the city’s forward-looking leadership and emphasized the strong synergy between Can Tho’s development agenda and Australia’s business capabilities.

Describing Can Tho as the “beating heart of the Mekong Delta,” Mr. Law highlighted the potential of the regional merger to integrate the rice-growing strength of Hau Giang and the aquaculture advantages of Soc Trang—broadening Can Tho’s role in the regional economy.

He also underscored the importance of transparent and supportive policy frameworks—particularly in land acquisition, taxation, and administrative processes—to boost investor confidence and attract sustainable, long-term investment.

“We’re not only here to introduce Australian businesses,” Mr. Law noted, “but also to listen, learn, and identify areas for practical, high-impact collaboration.”

Building Sustainable Partnerships

During the dialogue, AusCham proposed co-hosting trade and investment promotion events with the Can Tho People’s Committee and VCCI Mekong. These joint efforts are designed to connect local businesses with reputable Australian investors and promote knowledge sharing, innovation, and high-quality investment aligned with Can Tho’s development goals.

To ensure smooth coordination, the People’s Committee appointed the Department of Finance as the official liaison agency for Australian investors.

A Shared Path Forward

As Greater Can Tho takes shape, AusCham reaffirmed its strong commitment to supporting impactful partnerships and advancing Australian business participation in the region’s future growth.

“We hope this meeting marks the beginning of a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship between Can Tho and the Australian business community,” Mr. Law said.