Undergraduate On June 2 and 3, 2026, Can Tho University (CTU) welcomed and held working sessions with a delegation from the World Bank to discuss strategic cooperation in higher education, scientific research, innovation, key national technology sectors, and the sustainable development of the Mekong Delta region.
The working sessions were attended by Dr. Tran Nam Tu - Deputy Director General, Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education and Training; Ms. Tran Thi Anh Nguyet - Education Economist and Head of the World Bank delegation; along with representatives of affiliated agencies and experts. Representing CTU were Dr. Le Van Lam - Vice Rector and Prof. Dr. Tran Ngoc Hai - Vice Rector; along with leaders of academic units, functional departments, and researchers.
The program took place at CTU’s Administration Building
In the context of the Mekong Delta facing new demands for sustainable development, green transition, digital transformation, and enhanced climate resilience, the role of higher education institutions, research centers, and international development organizations has become increasingly important. The working sessions between CTU and the World Bank provided an opportunity for both sides to align strategic cooperation for the region’s future development, while exploring opportunities to leverage science, technology, innovation, and high-quality human resources to address current challenges.
Speaking at the program, Dr. Tran Nam Tu emphasized that in the coming period, the University should continue to review and maximize its existing strengths to focus on strategic technology fields, particularly high-tech agriculture and biotechnology. The aim is to generate scientific and technological products with high practical value and broad impact. At the same time, CTU needs to proactively select priority areas aligned with societal needs, government orientations, and national development strategies, thereby strengthening its role as a leading institution driving higher education development and innovation across the region.
Dr. Tran Nam Tu also noted that for cooperation programs to be effective, there must be the coordinated participation of stakeholders, strong commitments from local authorities, and close alignment between research tasks and CTU’s strengths
Dr. Le Van Lam highlighted that CTU and the World Bank have long collaborated in education development, scientific research, and capacity-building programs serving the Mekong Delta. Building on this foundation, the University seeks to further strengthen connections with the World Bank and international partners to address the region’s core issues, particularly the development of high-quality human resources and the practical application of research outcomes.
According to the Vice Rector, the ultimate goal of cooperation programs should not be measured solely by scientific publications or research outputs, but must generate products and solutions with direct impact on society, helping to resolve bottlenecks in the region’s socio-economic development. CTU also aims to mobilize resources from the government, enterprises, localities, and international organizations to establish focused investment programs that meet practical needs.
Dr. Le Van Lam stressed that CTU is always ready to listen, learn, and share experiences with partners to refine development projects and programs in ways most suitable to real conditions, thereby contributing to the comprehensive and sustainable development of the Mekong Delta in the new stage
Representing the World Bank delegation, Ms. Tran Thi Anh Nguyet shared that the working sessions aimed to identify key priorities and areas for future cooperation and development in the coming period, while reviewing priority fields, practical needs, and resource mobilization capacity to build feasible and effective development projects. She expressed her expectation that through in-depth discussions, the parties would gradually reach consensus on strategic orientations, investment priorities, and appropriate financial mechanisms, laying the foundation for long-term development programs tailored to the needs of the Mekong Delta.
According to Ms. Tran Thi Anh Nguyet, establishing a clear, focused, and long-term development strategy will be a crucial basis for effectively utilizing investment resources, while creating tangible impacts on education, science and technology, and the region’s sustainable development
Guided by a shared commitment to sustainable development through partnership and co-creation, the two sides exchanged views. Discussions covered human resource development, strengthening research capacity and innovation, advancing digital transformation in higher education, and developing science and technology solutions for green growth and climate change adaptation. Particular attention was also given to high-tech industries, strategic and emerging technologies, as well as enhancing access to international resources for development programs in the Mekong Delta.
In particular, the discussions highlighted the role of higher education in building a knowledge and innovation ecosystem; fostering linkages between the University, local authorities, enterprises, and international development organizations to create sustainable values for the community. This is considered one of the key foundations for the Mekong Delta to enhance competitiveness and effectively adapt to global socio-economic changes.
Delegates exchanged views during the working sessions
As a national key university and leading training and research center in the region, CTU has long collaborated with domestic and international partners to implement research programs, technology transfer, and policy consultation in agriculture, environment, water resources, community development, education, and innovation. These contributions not only serve regional development but also provide strategic scientific foundations for the nation in the context of global integration and transformation.
Building upon more than five decades of dedication to the development of the Mekong Delta, CTU has consistently embraced its pioneering mission of generating knowledge, developing high-quality human resources and advancing science and technology solutions that serve society. This engagement with the World Bank not only opens new opportunities for cooperation in education, research, innovation, and strategic technology development, but also reflects the convergence of shared development visions toward a common goal: transforming knowledge, technology, and international resources into drivers of green growth, sustainable transition, and enhanced regional competitiveness for the Mekong Delta in a new era of development.
(Website Editorial Board)
