Standing side by side with the "economic warriors" of the new era

The post-COVID-19 difficulties, economic crisis, unpredictable fluctuations in global trade... continue to impact the production and business activities of enterprises in 2025. However, the business community in the Mekong Delta in general and Can Tho City in particular - "soldiers on the economic front" in the new era - still persevere, create jobs for workers, constantly innovate, create and create value for the community, contributing to the common development.

Overcoming difficulties, contributing to common development

Mr. Nguyen Phuong Lam, Director of the Vietnam Federation of Commerce and Industry VCCI Mekong Delta Branch (VCCI Mekong Delta), emphasized: In the face of difficulties, but with the qualities of hard work and acceptance of challenges, businesses in the Mekong Delta continue to maintain and steadfastly do business, find new markets, new partners, innovate and create initiatives to adapt to the crisis context. In the past 3 years, the Mekong Delta has had more than 35,600 newly established businesses. In the first 6 months of 2025 alone, the region had 9,300 businesses established, an increase of 60% over the same period. Annual exports in advantageous industries have grown steadily, and the region is the largest contributor with 58% of the trade surplus bringing foreign currency reserves to the country.

Production activities at KWONG LUNG MEKO Co., Ltd.

“That result is thanks to the efforts of the entrepreneurial spirit of businessmen, along with the correct orientation of the Party and the flexible management policies of the Government to help stabilize the macro-economy. At the same time, it is also the timely and effective support from local authorities and the contribution of political organizations and professional associations,” Mr. Nguyen Phuong Lam emphasized.

Mr. Nguyen Van Hoa, Vice Chairman of Can Tho City People's Committee, informed: The GRDP growth rate in the first 9 months of the year of Can Tho City reached 7.39%. Budget revenue reached 19,116 billion VND, reaching 77.23% of the assigned estimate. In 9 months, the number of newly established enterprises was 3,326, with registered capital of over 17,550 billion VND. The city has more than 20,500 operating enterprises, an increase of more than 40% in the number of enterprises and 4% in capital compared to the same period. The city attracted 19 new investment projects; of which, there are 18 domestic investment projects with a total investment capital of over 19,000 billion VND; 1 foreign direct investment (FDI) project with an investment capital of 100 million USD. Export turnover reached 3 billion 156 million USD, an increase of 11% over the same period. Achieving the above results is due to the very positive contributions of businessmen and enterprises in the city.

In fact, many entrepreneurs and businesses have been proactive in innovation, daring to think and act with the common aspiration to contribute to the overall socio-economic development. Mr. Tram Du, General Director of TD Soc Trang Organic Rice Agriculture Joint Stock Company, shared: “My hometown is Soc Trang province (old), after being successful in the fashion field, in 2021, I decided to return to my hometown to start a business in the organic rice field. Due to the bold "side turn", I encountered many difficulties in the early stages. However, thanks to the "encouragement" from customers (Japan); technological support, experts from teachers at Can Tho University and friends near and far, the company currently has more than 15 rice products exported to Thailand, Japan and consumed domestically".

Reaching out in the new era

On October 10, 2023, the Politburo issued Resolution No. 41-NQ/TW on building and promoting the role of Vietnamese entrepreneurs in the new era. On May 4, 2025, the Politburo issued Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW on private economic development, demonstrating a major step forward in the Party's theoretical thinking and practical guidance: "In a socialist-oriented market economy, the private economy is the most important driving force of the national economy." The Resolution affirms: Vietnamese entrepreneurs are "soldiers on the economic front" in the new era. They not only contribute to enriching themselves but also carry out a noble mission, which is to build a strong and prosperous country.

Production activities at DG FOODS Company Limited.

At the seminar "Mekong Delta Entrepreneurs - Building Enterprises in the Digital Age", Mr. Nguyen Phuong Lam, Director of VCCI Mekong Delta, emphasized: Our country is entering a historical period, a period of reforming the state apparatus to be more streamlined and effective. In particular, with the birth of Resolution 68-NQ/TW on private economic development, it is affirmed that "the private economy is the most important driving force of the national economy, a pioneering force in the development of science and technology, and innovation of the country". Therefore, the seminar is a step to carry out the task of implementing the resolution, aiming at 3 goals. First, recognizing and affirming the important role of the private economic sector. Second, honoring the role and affirming the key position of the private economy; orienting innovation, integration and sustainable development, through the application of digital transformation, innovation, linking profits with social responsibility to enhance competitiveness. Third, create a forum to connect, share, and spread pioneering business models of successful entrepreneurs in building a green economy, digital economy, and enhancing national competitiveness.

Mr. Nguyen Van Hoa, Vice Chairman of Can Tho City People's Committee, said: Can Tho City leaders are committed to always accompany and create the most open and favorable environment so that every idea and initiative of entrepreneurs is respected and realized. Can Tho City focuses on implementing key solutions to inform entrepreneurs and businesses to accompany, as follows: Promote administrative procedure reform, improve the capacity of 2-level government management; accompany, listen and promptly resolve difficulties for businesses; strengthen public-private dialogue, promptly resolve difficulties, create confidence for entrepreneurs with many creative and innovative suggestions; encourage the formation of large private enterprises, regional and international in scope - in parallel with substantial support for small and medium-sized enterprises and business households to transform. The city is accelerating the progress of many key transport projects that are driving forces for development, inviting investors to industrial parks and clusters; commercial center projects, urban projects, logistics, high-tech agriculture, etc. Key projects will bring a new look and new opportunities to the city, while creating a "business environment" for development and open cooperation for the business community to participate.

From a business perspective, according to Dr. Doan Hung Dung, Chairman of PSD Corporation, the key to sustainable growth and making a difference in the new era needs to focus on 6 contents: choosing niche instead of mass; applying AI and digital technology; building new human resources capacity; expanding the cooperation ecosystem; financial and investment strategy; putting customers at the center.

“Customer-centric strategy is a business philosophy in which every decision, process and activity of the business (from farming, processing to distribution) is designed to create the best value and optimal experience for customers. For businesses producing and trading agricultural and food products, this strategy is not only about selling well, but also about understanding the deep needs of customers in terms of quality, origin, nutrition, and sustainability” - Dr. Doan Hung Dung clearly stated.

Regarding the advantages of agricultural development in the Mekong Delta, Mr. Nguyen Lam Vien, Chairman of the Board of Directors and General Director of Vinamit Joint Stock Company, shared: Agriculture in the Mekong Delta needs to transform to organic agriculture, apply biotechnology, promote research and application of high technology. In particular, the Mekong Delta has outstanding potential in exploiting resources and indigenous organisms, so businesses in the Mekong Delta should focus more despite facing challenges of lack of technology and knowledge.

It can be seen that the Party and the State have correctly recognized the role and opened the "avenue" for enterprises in general and private enterprises in particular to develop and make breakthroughs. The remaining issue is that enterprises must promote their internal strength, constantly innovate and create to absorb new energy from the Central's policies to initiate development and breakthroughs in the new period.

Article and photos: MY THANH

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/sat-canh-cung-nhung-chien-si-tren-mat-tran-kinh-te-thoi-ky-moi-a192204.html