Visit green production companies, leading up to Mekong Connect 2023

The first "Green Experience Tour" is one of the activities leading up to the Mekong Connect 2023 Economic Forum, which will be held on November 15 and 16 under the theme "Connecting supply chains and value chains between Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta towards a green and sustainable economy."

This event will be held in Ho Chi Minh City with the support of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the Ministry of Science and Technology, as well as four Mekong Delta provinces (An Giang, Ben Tre, Can Tho, and Dong Thap).

According to Ms. Vu Kim Hanh, Chairwoman of the High-Quality Vietnamese Business Association, Mekong Connect 2023 will involve a variety of participants, including enterprises from the thirteen Mekong Delta provinces and youth farmers from across the nation.

In addition, companies from various regions operating in the field of renewable energy, such as electric vehicles, solar power, and wind power, will participate. There will also be present high-quality Vietnamese firms engaged in agricultural production and processing.

Notably, international experts will present new information, opportunities, and emerging markets at the event. In addition, a series of seminars will be conducted to analyze the green economy, share experiences, and investigate green economic development-related market opportunities.

The "Green Experience Tour" begins with a visit to Vietnipa, a coconut water production company located in the Binh Khanh commune of the Can Gio district. This enterprise is a model of sustainable natural resource utilization for the production of coconut water, contributing to the circular economy principles.

Mr. Phan Minh Tien, CEO of Vietnipa, led the tour through the coconut water cultivation area and explained that the company collaborates with over ten local producers to cultivate organic coconuts in accordance with international standards (USDA, EU, and JAS). Vietnipa has invested in a facility that complies with ISO 22000 and HACCP standards and is outfitted with cutting-edge technology. They have effectively developed organic low-glycemic sugar from coconut water, which correlates with the current trend of consuming natural and nutritious foods.

This initiative has resulted in the creation of more employment and a more stable income for local farmers, the production of high-quality goods for consumers, and the preservation of the riverine ecosystem.

Carbon sequestration is facilitated by the project's collaboration with local coconut producers in Can Gio, according to Phan Minh Tien. One hectare of coconut trees can sequester approximately 137 tons of carbon, according to their statistics. In addition, the coconut water generated in this manner effectively converts carbon dioxide into sugar, thereby transforming coconut trees into "carbon sequestration machines."

The tour's next destination is Yen Dao Can Gio Company. This business is a pioneer in advocating ecological and sustainable economic solutions for the production and distribution of bird's nest products.

According to Ms. Phan Ngoc Dieu, the plant manager of the company, the extensive mangrove forest areas, pristine environment, and mild climate of Can Gio make it an ideal location for swiftlets to nest.

Currently, Can Gio has over 500 bird's nest farms that produce an average of nearly 14 tons of high-quality, verdant, and spotless swiftlet nests from the biosphere forest every year. Experts from the Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry conduct research on and validate these structures.

Ms. Vu Kim Hanh explained that through the "Green Experience Tour," the organizing committee hopes to provide the media, consumers, investors, partners, and anyone interested in green and sustainable economics with the most realistic information and images of innovative models and effective practices in green, circular, and sustainable economic development.

In addition to the experiential component, the program seeks to facilitate networking opportunities for those who share similar interests and an innovative spirit in the field of green economy. 

Organised since 2015 as an initiative of the ABCD (An Giang - Ben Tre - Can Tho - Dong Thap) Mekong regional connecting network, the event is supported by the Business Association of High Quality Vietnamese Products, leaders of the four localities and the Leading Business Club (LBC).

It is an annual forum for entrepreneurs, government leaders, and domestic and foreign experts who have concerns and interests related to the Mekong Delta.