To help Mekong Delta businesses overcome difficulties and adapt to global trade challenges

Many difficulties

In 2024, the Mekong Delta economy will continue to maintain positive growth momentum, with the region's GRDP reaching 7.3%, exceeding the growth rate in 2023 (6.6%) and higher than the national average (7.1%). In particular, import and export continue to be an important growth driver. The region's total import and export turnover in 2024 will reach 41.96 billion USD, an increase of 17.45% over the previous year. Tien Giang, Long An, Dong Thap and Can Tho are localities with high trade surpluses. The Mekong Delta contributes up to 57% of the total surplus value from international trade to the national budget.

Production activities at Dinh Gia Foods Production and Trading Company Limited.

However, in addition to positive results, the issue of attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Mekong Delta is still modest, both in terms of the number of projects and capital scale. In 2024, the whole region attracted only 142 new FDI projects with a total registered capital of 628 million USD - equivalent to only 4.2% and 3.2% compared to the whole country. The private business community is also facing many difficulties. "Although the number of newly established enterprises increased by 12%, it still only accounts for 8% of the total number nationwide. In terms of capital, the total registered capital only accounts for 6.7% nationwide. Notably, the number of enterprises temporarily suspending operations, waiting for dissolution or having dissolved is at a high level, clearly reflecting the pressure on the private economic sector of the region. These figures are a serious warning, requiring us - both the public and private sectors - to take quick, drastic and synchronous actions to support businesses to overcome difficulties," said Mr. Vo Tan Thanh, Vice President of the Vietnam Federation of Commerce and Industry (VCCI).

According to a survey conducted by VCCI Mekong Delta in early 2025, most businesses forecast that they will face many challenges: 68.8% are concerned about inflation and increased production costs, 57.1% predict a decrease in domestic consumption demand, 54.5% believe that the export market will decline. In addition, businesses are also worried about the more severe effects of climate change, more difficult access to land and finding business locations, poor traffic quality affecting transportation costs and product quality, drought or flooding affecting raw material areas, etc.

In "danger" there is "opportunity"

At the 2025 annual conference of the Mekong Delta region with the theme "Adapting to global trade challenges - Opportunities and new directions for Mekong Delta enterprises" recently organized by VCCI Mekong Delta, Mr. Vo Tan Thanh emphasized: "In the context of general difficulties, enterprises in the Mekong Delta region need to be sensitive to adapt, seize opportunities and outline appropriate development strategies. With the theme "Adapting to global trade challenges - opportunities and new directions for Mekong Delta enterprises", we hope to provide practical information, clearly identify international trade trends and accompany enterprises in the journey of restructuring the supply chain, improving competitiveness and accessing sustainable markets. The country is entering a period of extensive reform of institutions and state management apparatus, opening up a new foundation for enterprises to develop more strongly in the coming time. We believe that in "danger" there is always "opportunity". If we know how to take advantage of opportunities from domestic reforms, while grasping the trend, we will be able to develop more strongly in the coming time. With the global trend, the Vietnamese economy in general and the Mekong Delta in particular can completely enter a breakthrough development period".

According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuong Linh, Deputy Director of VCCI Mekong Delta, in 2025, enterprises expressed their interest in policies and improving the business environment; trade promotion; enhancing business capacity for enterprises through training, consulting... Therefore, VCCI Mekong Delta's support activities aim to provide practical information about the Mekong Delta, support the policy planning and adjustment process, and act as a bridge in reflecting the current situation and needs of the region and the business community to the Government and local authorities. At the same time, promote a favorable business environment, create conditions for enterprise development; enhance enterprise capacity, improve governance and competitiveness for enterprises in the new context.

Accordingly, for the policy activity group, VCCI Mekong Delta will establish a legal consulting club for enterprises; coordinate with localities to organize policy seminars, provide essential information for enterprises... The environmental improvement activity group includes consulting and supporting localities to improve DDCI and PCI indexes; propose and connect projects, investment funds for socio-economic development and community... Regarding the business support activity group, it will focus on capacity building (training, information provision); business connection (organizing trade and investment promotion conferences, direct connection); market expansion (providing market information, organizing domestic and foreign trade promotion delegations).

In order for import and export to continue to be the growth engine of the region, Mr. Vu Ba Phu, Director of the Department of Trade Promotion, Ministry of Industry and Trade , said: Although there is currently no clear reciprocal tax policy of the United States directly applied to Vietnam, the risk is real as Vietnam is increasingly becoming a major manufacturing center in the world. Origin, especially from third countries, has become a concern in negotiating reciprocal tax agreements. Vietnam and ASEAN countries joining hands to negotiate with the US can create strength and easily convince the US to reach agreements to reduce tax rates. Preventive measures, negotiation preparation and adaptation need to be implemented before risks become reality to protect businesses and maintain the FDI supply chain, avoiding new developments after negotiating reciprocal taxes with the US but then negotiating to review the list of goods with other leading partners such as China, the EU, Japan".

In the long term, many opinions say that Vietnam in general and the Mekong Delta in particular need to develop a policy to diversify export markets, strengthen regional and global cooperation, and avoid dependence on a certain market. In addition, it is necessary to review the impacts on tax revenue, technology transfer, and environmental impacts of multinational corporations/companies in Vietnam to selectively attract FDI. At the same time, build a sustainable local economy by investing in infrastructure, training local workers, restoring natural resources, and engaging local communities to create an economy that is resilient to external shocks.

Article and photos: MY THANH

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/de-doanh-nghiep-dbscl-vuot-kho-thich-ung-truoc-thach-thuc-thuong-mai-toan-cau-a186764.html