On August 13, 2025, as part of the official visit of the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho University, the Mekong Institute hosted a working session with Mr. Joshua Parsons, Economic Officer of the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, and Professor Chung Hoang Chuong, former Professor at San Francisco State University (USA). The delegation was received by Dr. Vo Van Tuan, Deputy Director of the Mekong Institute, Dr. Dang Kieu Nhan, Former Director of the Mekong Delta Development Research Institute, along with researchers from the Mekong Institute.

During the meeting, both sides engaged in in-depth discussions on a wide range of strategic topics shaping the orientation of future bilateral cooperation. These included sustainable regional development, enhancing the resilience of agricultural systems, climate change adaptation, capacity building, and strengthening collaboration within the framework of the Mekong–U.S. Partnership with stakeholders across the Greater Mekong Subregion. The exchanges provided valuable directions for effectively mobilizing resources from all parties, thereby reinforcing the foundation for long-term cooperation between the Mekong Institute and the U.S. Consulate General.

Mr. Joshua Parsons emphasized the importance of academic exchange, leadership development, and finding solutions to overcome barriers in multilateral cooperation. On this basis—particularly as 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the United States and Vietnam—the U.S. Consulate General expressed confidence and expectations for sustaining existing ties and collaborations with the Mekong Institute. Looking ahead, both sides aim to further strengthen and expand cooperation to promote regional connectivity in the Greater Mekong Subregion, foster shared understanding among stakeholders, and advance collective efforts toward prosperity and sustainability.