Dong Thap Leaders Receive Delegation from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and Canadian Cities

(DTO) On the afternoon of March 4, a delegation from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and Canadian cities paid a courtesy visit and held a working session with leaders of the Dong Thap Provincial People’s Committee.

Nguyen Thanh Dieu, Vice Chairman of the Dong Thap Provincial People’s Committee, received and worked with the delegation led by Judith Clara Varga-Toth, Director of the Vietnam Climate-Resilient Municipalities Project (VNCRM) under the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

During the meeting, delegates were briefed on the VNCRM Project, which is being implemented in Hanoi, Danang, and the provinces of Quang Ninh, Dong Thap, and Lam Dong. Dong Thap has selected My Tho Ward and Binh Xuan Ward as pilot locations, focusing on solutions for managing urban technical infrastructure in connection with climate-change adaptation.

According to representatives of the delegation, the overall goal of the VNCRM Project is to support urban areas in Vietnam in enhancing their adaptability and resilience to increasing climate-change impacts; while also addressing challenges in managing urban technical infrastructure such as rainwater drainage, parks, green spaces, public areas, riverbank erosion, inundation, and flooding. In addition, the project places emphasis on improving urban solid waste management (with priority on plastic waste management) through a climate-responsive and smart city development approach.

The project aims to strengthen the capacity to implement national strategies and plans; develop climate-adaptive urban planning; and enhance the participation of women and stakeholders in policy formulation and implementation. This aligns with Vietnam’s new two-tier local government model and national priorities on climate change, urban development, and environmental protection towards smart, sustainable growth.

Representatives of Canadian municipalities also shared practical experience in managing climate-adaptive infrastructure, particularly solutions for mitigating flood risks, reinforcing riverbanks against erosion, and developing green spaces and sustainable drainage systems.

Speaking at the meeting, Vice Chairman Nguyen Thanh Dieu expressed the desire to upgrade the province’s urban management system toward greater professionalism and modernity. In urban development programs, Dong Thap identifies the core goal of improving public amenities and overall living quality for residents, while ensuring harmonious and cohesive development between urban and rural areas. As the project is implemented, the province will develop a comprehensive plan to assign clear focal point units, proactively coordinate with partners, and prepare appropriate human resources to ensure timely and high-quality execution.

By QUANG MINH
Translated by ANH DUC