The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) proposes Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) quicken the approval of a $50-million habitat conservation project in the Mekong Delta region, said USAID Administrator Samantha Power.
Ms. Samantha Power, who is on a Vietnam trip, made the proposal at a meeting with the People’s Committee of Can Tho City on March 9. The talks featured U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper and representatives from the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City.
She stated that the project, which would contribute to forming sustainable agriculture in Vietnam, has sought the ministry’s assent for more than a year.
The USAID leader also affirmed that the U.S. is willing to support Vietnam in dealing with climate change to mitigate impacts on locals’ livelihood and environment.
For his part, Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Tran Viet Truong introduced Can Tho City’s socio-economic status and issues regarding climate change, saline intrusion, and limited logistic system. He looked forward to receiving USAID’s support in developing agricultural production and enhancing the locals’ lives.
Earlier on March 8, Ms. Samantha Power visited a floating aquaculture farm in the Mekong Delta and had a discussion with locals about climate change. She also held talks with a local women-led start-up while visiting a factory of American-owned VF Corporation and Phu Ly Pagoda in Vinh Long province on the same day. (PLO [1], Nong Nghiep [2])