Japan offers $105 million to upgrade Can Tho University

According to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Vietnam, the project consists of $100 million USD in ODA funding and $5 million USD’s worth of equipment and technology. This honours the memorandum of understanding between former State President Truong Tan Sang and Japanese PM Shinzo Abe. Through this move, the Japanese government wishes to enhance collaboration in education, science and research. Can Tho has been selected due to its potential for long-term scientific development.

The technical cooperation package starts in March 2016 and ends in 2020. The loan support will start later this year. According to Mr. Yasuo Fujita, Vietnam Chief Representative of JICA, the support to CTU is one of their most important activities in the Mekong Delta Region, which accounts for approximately 50 percent of Vietnam’s rice production, 65 percent and 70 percent of aquaculture and fruit production respectively, constituting 25 percent of Vietnam’s GDP.

The goal of project is to enhance CTU’s research and education capacity in agriculture, aquaculture, and environment to meet international standards.

"It will improve the value of agricultural products and protect the environment in the Mekong Delta Region”, said Mr. Fujta.

Within the scope of the project, JICA will support the university in developing human resources and provide the university with facilities and equipment to effectively implement research and consultant services.