On October 24, 2025, a delegation from the Mekong Institute – Can Tho University paid a working visit to the leadership of Ke Sach Commune, Can Tho City. The purpose of the visit was to gain insights into the advantages and challenges in local governance following the administrative merger, and to discuss and propose practical solutions to address current difficulties. Based on the discussions, both parties signed a cooperation agreement on the development of science, technology, and innovation to support local socio-economic development.
Participants included:
Representatives from the Mekong Institute – Can Tho University:
+ Assoc. Prof. Dr. Van Pham Dang Tri – Director of the Mekong Institute, Head of Delegation
+ Dr. Vo Van Tuan – Deputy Director of the Mekong Institute
+ Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Binh – Director of the Sustainable Development Governance Program
+ MSc. Nguyen Tan Loi – Researcher, Mekong Institute
Representatives from Ke Sach Commune authorities:
+ Mr. Vo Hoang Tho – Secretary of the Party Committee, Chairman of the People’s Council
+ Mr. Ho Van Tam – Chairman of the People’s Committee
+ Mr. Dao Van Ky – Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee
+ Mr. Lam Son – Vice Chairman of the People’s Council
+ Mr. Nguyen Anh Huy – Director of the Commune Political Center
Along with local management officials and representatives of agricultural cooperatives in the commune. During the meeting, both sides engaged in in-depth discussions on the current management situation and practical conditions after the administrative merger. Key challenges highlighted included organizational restructuring, operational efficiency of the administrative apparatus, and capacity building for local officials. The Mekong Institute delegation and Ke Sach Commune leaders agreed on a comprehensive, interdisciplinary capacity-building plan for local development, focusing on:
Strengthening cooperative economic models and developing agricultural value chains;
Promoting innovation in production, particularly for local key crops;
Enhancing connections among scientists, local authorities, and communities in implementing sustainable development models;
Building local brands and improving agricultural value chains.
Following the discussion, both parties officially signed a cooperation agreement on the development of science, technology, and innovation to foster local socio-economic growth.
This agreement underscores the strong commitment of the Mekong Institute – Can Tho University to support local development through scientific research, technology transfer, and innovation initiatives, contributing to sustainable development in Ke Sach Commune in particular and the Mekong Delta region in general.
