Growth has not met expectations.

In the first quarter of 2026, many economic sectors in the city achieved double-digit growth. The Industrial Production Index (IIP) is estimated to increase by 10.45% year-on-year. Within this, the manufacturing industry increased by 11.2% year-on-year.

Total retail sales of goods and services reached over 61,219 billion VND, an increase of 14.1%. Export turnover of goods and services is estimated at 1,499 million USD, an increase of 9.8%. Total tourism revenue is estimated at 3,099 billion VND, an increase of 32% compared to the same period last year. Many agricultural production activities were maintained and developed quite well. The trend of large-scale agricultural production, clean and organic agriculture, and cooperative linkages along the value chain continues to be expanded. The 2025-2026 winter-spring rice crop reached 312,615 hectares, with 92,589 hectares already harvested. The area planted with fruit trees reached 100,327 hectares. By the end of March 2026, the livestock and poultry population reached over 17.54 million head, an increase of 5.17% compared to the same period last year. The area for aquaculture reached 22,102 hectares, an increase of 76% compared to the same period last year. Cultural, social, and social security aspects were given priority. 

However, the city's socio-economic development still faces difficulties and limitations. Economic growth has not reached the expected levels and growth scenarios. Specifically, the baseline scenario projected a 9.52% increase in the first quarter and a 10.01% increase for the whole year; the target scenario projected a 10.9% increase and an 11.5% increase for the whole year compared to the same period last year. Some socio-economic indicators are still below target. Prices of many materials, raw materials, and logistics costs have increased due to the impact of the conflict in the Middle East, affecting production, business, and consumption by people and businesses…

According to the Can Tho City Department of Finance, in the first quarter of 2026, the city's Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) is estimated to increase by 7.02% compared to the same period in 2025. Although the results did not reach the projected growth scenario, this increase still reflects the positive recovery trend of the city's economy amidst many difficulties.

Efforts to achieve high growth

At the regular meeting in March 2026, many existing difficulties and limitations were analyzed, and solutions were sought to overcome them in order to create a breakthrough for the city's economic development. According to Mr. Le Thanh Tam, Director of the Can Tho City Department of Finance, after receiving information on the economic growth results of the first quarter of 2026, the Department promptly coordinated with relevant departments, agencies, and units to advise the City People's Committee on adjusting the growth scenario for 2026. In particular, when the first quarter showed low growth, the remaining quarters must use a higher growth scenario. Accordingly, all sectors and fields must strive to achieve the highest possible results, ensuring the annual growth target of 10% or more as directed by the Government and the City People's Committee…

To ensure high economic growth and achieve the 2026 plan, Mr. Thieu Vinh An, Head of Statistics of Can Tho City, proposed: "Regarding agriculture, it is necessary to maintain and expand the area of ​​high-value fruit trees, vegetables, and organic rice to increase added value. Develop high-tech applied agriculture. Develop OCOP products and production, processing, and consumption linkages through e-commerce channels. Regarding industry and construction, it is necessary to accelerate the completion and commissioning of projects planned for completion in 2026 to create a breakthrough in economic development and achieve double-digit growth."

According to Mr. Thieu Vinh An, the city needs to continue promoting the development of processing and supporting industries to enhance the value and competitiveness of agricultural products. Focus should be placed on developing high-knowledge service industries such as information technology, telecommunications, and logistics, diversifying entertainment and cultural activities. Strengthening trade promotion, stimulating domestic consumption, expanding export markets for key products, encouraging the development of e-commerce, promoting and selling products through modern sales channels, and boosting tourism development are also crucial.

According to Mr. Ngo Thai Chan, Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment (ARD) of Can Tho City, the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sector was projected to grow by 4.21% in the first quarter of 2026, but only achieved 3.6%. Specifically, livestock production met the target, fisheries exceeded it, while crop production fell short, especially with the decrease in rice cultivation area. To achieve high growth in the coming quarters, the ARD sector has identified the need to accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Project for 1 million hectares of high-quality, low-emission rice cultivation in the Mekong Delta by 2030 to enhance the value of rice farming. Simultaneously, efforts will be made to maintain the positive development and growth momentum in the livestock and fisheries sectors.

According to Mr. Truong Canh Tuyen, Deputy Secretary of the City Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Committee of Can Tho City, the socio-economic situation is projected to face many difficulties and challenges in the coming period. To achieve the highest possible results for the targets and tasks approved by the City People's Council in 2026, departments, agencies, and localities need to continue to promote a spirit of responsibility, work together, be flexible in direction and management, and boldly innovate in implementation to achieve the best results. They should review the results of key tasks and targets that are still lagging behind, and then develop solutions to improve performance in the second quarter and throughout 2026. They should also promptly address difficulties for citizens and businesses, promoting faster and stronger socio-economic development.