By TD
TVU – On November 29, 2024, Tra Vinh University convened an International Scientific Conference on “Agricultural Value Chains in the Mekong Delta: Transforming for Sustainable Development.”
The conference brought together distinguished international and local experts, including representatives from the Wallonie-Bruxelles Delegation, such as Mr. Pierre Du Ville, Head of Delegation, Professor Philippe Burny from the University of Liege, and Dr. Ho Thi Minh Hop, also from the University of Liege.
Tra Vinh University was represented by Associate Professor Dr. Diep Thanh Tung, Vice Rector, and key faculty leadership, including Dr. Nguyen Van Nguyen, Dean of the Economic and Legal Faculty.
In his opening remarks, Associate Professor Dr. Diep Thanh Tung highlighted the conference’s significance as a platform for sharing research and strengthening collaboration between Tra Vinh University and the University of Liege while fostering broader Vietnam-Belgium relations.
The conference addressed critical challenges facing the Mekong Delta’s agricultural sector. Dr. Diep Thanh Tung emphasized the region’s crucial agricultural role, noting its vulnerability to climate change, infrastructure limitations, and upstream hydropower projects that significantly impact agricultural production and value chains.
The event featured two sessions with seven presentations covering diverse topics.
Session 1 explored optimizing multimodal transportation for rice exports, factors affecting coconut wax value chains in Tra Vinh, and data envelopment analysis of shallot production efficiency.
Session 2 focused on coconut value chains from industry perspectives, blue crab value chain analysis in Ben Tre, sustainable soil health transformation in fruit cultivation, and digital transformation for business growth in the Mekong Delta.
Experts engaged in comprehensive discussions aimed at developing policy recommendations to promote sustainable agricultural development. The Mekong Delta, recognized as the country’s agricultural center, faces numerous challenges that necessitate innovative approaches to value chain transformation.
The conference represents a critical step in addressing the complex agricultural landscape of the Mekong Delta, bringing together academic research, industry expertise, and forward-thinking strategies for sustainable development.
