Gov't Chief Agrees On US$ 2 bln Loan Proposal For Mekong Delta Development
VGP – Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has recently agreed on a proposal to borrow US$2 billion from development partners like World Bank, France, and Germany to finance development goals of the Mekong Delta.
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PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc chairs the last Government's meeting in the 2016-2021 tenure, Ha Noi, March 31, 2021 - Photo: VGP/Quang Hieu |
The agreement was made yesterday at the Cabinet meeting in Ha Noi.
The Mekong Delta is certainly one of the most important regions in Viet Nam as it accounts for 12% of the national area, 19% of the national population, a large network of rivers, canals and ditches.
It is the largest agricultural production center in Viet Nam as it contributes up to 50% of national rice production, 65% of national aquaculture production and 70% of fruits of the country; 95% of national export rice and 60% of national exported fish.
However, the Delta is sensitive to the changes of nature. The magnitude of climate change and sea level rise is superior than forecasted, causing extreme weather events, affecting the livelihoods and human lives.
The Delta is one of the most vulnerable regions coping with climate change in Viet Nam in terms of saltwater intrusion, floods, droughts, and sea level rises.
It is estimated that 40% of the Mekong Delta would be submerged by the year 2100 in which 55% of the local population will be directly affected, UNDP Resident Representative in Viet Nam Caitlin Wiesen told VGP in an interview./.
By Huong Giang
