The report concludes that the Mekong Delta’s future should be built around people, not solely around existing spatial development. It urges prioritising investment in education, skills and mobility so all residents, whether they stay or migrate, can access opportunities.

Encouraging voluntary migration, modernising agriculture, improving human capital and building adaptive social protection systems are seen as essential to cope with rising uncertainty.

A people-centred development strategy would not only reduce poverty and vulnerability but also help the Mekong Delta contribute more to Vietnam’s inclusive and sustainable growth, the report says.

Speaking at the event, Nguyen Anh Tuan, deputy head of the Central Commission for Policy and Strategy, said the report offers strong scientific and practical evidence for regional policymaking.

He said the core issue is not whether people stay or migrate, but how to ensure they can live better lives wherever they choose. He outlined three priorities for the coming period: strengthening regional coordination institutions, accelerating a green and high-value growth transition, and placing people at the centre of adaptation and development strategies.

Agriculture should remain foundational, he said, but be viewed as part of a broader socio-economic ecosystem linked to processing, logistics, markets, science, technology and environmental protection. Investing in people, especially high-quality human resources and labour productivity, should be a key driver of fast and sustainable growth.