The second Mekong Delta Startup Forum, held on November 16, under the theme "Green Economy - A New Driving Force for Development," marked the launch of the Mekong Green Transformation Network.

This collaborative initiative between the public and private sectors aims to promote sustainable solutions, environmental protection, and economic development in the delta region.

The network, a public-private partnership, is considered essential for achieving sustainable development goals in the Mekong Delta. It includes an Expert Advisory Board, a Secretariat, and specialized Working Groups focused on Green Agriculture, Green Tourism, and Mekong Green Youth. These groups aim to promote sustainable agricultural practices, responsible tourism models, and increase awareness and entrepreneurial capacity among young people in the environmental sector.

The Mekong Delta Startup Forum sought to unite and mobilize action from both the public and private sectors, especially innovative startups, to realize the government's policy on Mekong Delta development: "sustainable development, innovation, and creating unique imprints".

Addressing the event,  Mr. Pham Thien Nghia, Chairman of the Dong Thap Provincial People's Committee, highlighted the forum's focus on addressing two key challenges: sustainable green economic development trends and promoting an innovation ecosystem aligned with the greening of the economy.

The forum, bolstered by the Mekong Green Transformation Network, aims to become an effective platform for public-private cooperation and dialogue, supporting business development and promoting a green economy in the delta region.

Minister of Science and Technology Huynh Thanh Dat emphasized the significance of the network as a public-private partnership for promoting sustainable solutions, environmental protection, and regional economic development. He called for localities in the Mekong Delta to propose specific mechanisms, conduct trials, and link these efforts with major ongoing projects to integrate innovative capacity into local and regional socio-economic tasks.

The minister also stressed the need to overcome challenges, create favorable conditions for businesses and people to engage in green and circular economy-oriented startup and innovation activities, develop a startup innovation ecosystem, a science and technology market, and science and technology enterprises. Additionally, improved solutions are needed to enhance the provincial innovation index (PII) of each locality.