Ten years after becoming a centrally governed city, Can Tho has been identified as the spearhead of socio-economic development in the Mekong Delta.
Speaking at a press meeting to celebrate ten years as a central city on 24 December 2013, Tran Thanh Man, Secretary of Can Tho Party Committee, said the city's economy grew at an average of 14.5 per cent a year in the 2004 - 2013 period, with its size reaching VND62.6 trillion (nearly US$3 billion) this year, a 3.5-fold increase from 2004.
The city's agriculture and aquaculture sector rose by 2.86 per cent; the industrial and construction sectors 17.22 percent; and the service sector by 17.54 percent.
This year it also attracted 58 foreign direct investment projects with total registered capital of $885 million, nearly six times the 2004 figure.
The average income of its inhabitants has risen from VND10.3 million in 2004 to VND62.9 million (nearly $3,000) now, according to figures released at the press meeting.
Four new universities have been established and 83 of the city's communes are linked by proper roads.
Other major infrastructure development include a terminal at Can Tho International Airport, Cai Cui Seaport, Can Tho Bridge, and the first turbine of the O Mon Thermal-power plant.
Can Tho has introduced an "electronic one - stop" mechanism at all administrative agencies from the commune to city levels.
The level of sastisfaction with administrative processes has greatly improved, according to authorities.
(Source VNA)