Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung emphasised the threat coming from climate change. He said climate change was also a challenge for the socio-economy development of Vietnam. Vietnam is listed among the five most susceptible countries in terms of the impact of climate change. The Mekong Delta is suffering from a so-called double negative impact, due to climate change and unsustainable exploitation by regions upstream.
"Droughts lead to increased salinity in the soil, affecting nearly 700,000ha of farming land, or around 40 percent of the total 1.7 million hectares in the region. If there are no practical measures to deal with the situation, the sea level will rise up to a metre, which will flood 40% of the area. This also affects the livelihood of 55% of the population living in the Mekong Delta - the region which produces a fifth of rice exported to the world", said Prime Minister.
Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung also underlined the efforts of Vietnam in dealing with climate change although the country still has many difficulties and limitations in pooling resources.
Representatives from many countries shared their concerns about the Mekong Delta.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and World Bank Vice President Laura Tusk hailed Vietnam for its strong commitment and determination to devise effective ways to address climate change.
Vietnam and the related parties issued a joint statement for global support for Vietnam in coping with climate change in the Mekong Delta.
