The second Mekong Startup Forum 2024, themed "Green Economy – A New Driver for Development," was organized by the People's Committee of Dong Thap Province and held from November 15 to 16.  

The plenary session, "Green Economy – A New Driver for Development," was attended by Minister of Science and Technology Huynh Thanh Dat, Dong Thap Provincial Party Secretary Le Quoc Phong, and Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Tran Thanh Nam.  

Deputy Minister Tran Thanh Nam highlighted the challenges facing the Mekong Delta (ĐBSCL) due to climate change, which have altered consumption trends and quality standards for agricultural products.  

“To achieve rapid and sustainable development aligned with global trends, green and digital transitions are essential and a top strategic priority,” said Nam.  

Nam noted that the rising focus on green economies, low emissions, and the expansion of agricultural markets—alongside advancements in science and technology, new investments in infrastructure, and innovative agricultural programs—present significant opportunities for job creation and the promotion of startups.  

The deputy minister recalled the first Mekong Startup Forum in 2022, which focused on "Modern, Circular, and Low-Emission Agriculture." That forum marked the beginning of expanded connections among organizations, enterprises, and stakeholders domestically and internationally.  

Since then, practical initiatives have been implemented, significantly improving rural livelihoods and driving sustainable regional economic growth.  

The forum also highlighted successful ecological farming models, including:  

- The shrimp-rice farming model in Ca Mau Province.  

- High-quality rice cultivation tied to green growth under the one-million-hectare high-quality rice project spanning 12 provinces in the Mekong Delta.  

These models have actively supported the government’s commitments to transforming the food system to be transparent, responsible, and sustainable, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050.  

Dong Thap Provincial Chairman Pham Thien Nghia emphasized that the forum has become a "hub" for rallying action and collaboration between public and private sectors, particularly for startups focused on innovation.  

The “Mekong Green Transition Network” will be maintained and developed as a platform for effective public-private cooperation tied to innovation, supporting businesses and advancing the green economy.  

“Through the forum, the region’s innovation and startup ecosystem has reached a new level, fostering sustainable development by integrating science, technology, digital transformation, and green transition. This will be a vital foundation for creating effective, practical models,” Nghia stated.  

Minister of Science and Technology Huynh Thanh Dat commended the Mekong Delta’s proactive and creative spirit, which has led to green economy-oriented startup models leveraging local resources and laying a foundation for international reach. He pointed to 136 startup projects showcased at this forum as examples of the region's potential.  

To transform ideas from the forum into tangible initiatives, Minister Dat urged local authorities to actively conduct research, propose effective pilot programs, and align mechanisms with national strategies and projects.  

The minister also called on Mekong Delta provinces to identify and resolve obstacles, creating favorable conditions for citizens and businesses to engage in green economy-oriented innovation and entrepreneurship.  

Additionally, efforts should be directed toward enhancing the local startup ecosystem and improving innovation indices.  

“The Mekong Delta must capitalize on its inherent potential to increase productivity, quality, efficiency, and competitiveness to achieve green, circular economic development locally, regionally, and nationally,” Minister Dat concluded.  

Hoai Thanh