In the Mekong Delta, the private sector is increasingly becoming a key driver in the agriculture, processing, and green logistics value chain. This growing role provides a foundation for developing regional connectivity clusters, where small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can collaborate, share resources, and generate momentum for the local economy. This year has been marked by significant upheavals—from global geopolitical tensions to economic instability—alongside the repercussions of wars and natural disasters. Vietnam, inevitably, has been swept into this turbulent ‘whirlwind.’ Among the most impactful disruptions for Vietnamese businesses, especially those in the Mekong Delta, is the Sino-U.S. trade war. In the Mekong Delta, known for its strength in agro-product exports, the impacts have become increasingly evident after the first five months of the year. Many export businesses have reported a decline in orders, signaling that exporters to the U.S. are at risk of losing a key market. As a result, they are being compelled to explore new markets—a daunting challenge in the face of intense global competition. An exporter of agricultural and fishery products to the U.S. said that both revenue and profit from this market have declined significantly. However, the greater concern lies in the uncertainty surrounding future U.S. […]