The southernmost province of Ca Mau is stepping up trade promotion and business networking to expand markets for local products. Authorities aim to use the province's natural, economic and ecological advantages to support faster, sustainable growth in the Mekong Delta.
Fisheries remain a major part of Ca Mau's economy. The province supplies large volumes of aquatic products to domestic and international markets. Its crab farming area covers about 365,421 hectares and produces more than 50,000 tonnes of commercial crabs each year. Ca Mau crabs are raised beneath natural mangrove forests and have two forms of intellectual property protection: the Nam Can, Ca Mau Crab collective trademark and the Ca Mau crab geographical indication.
The province is also promoting agricultural and aquatic products, as well as goods under the One Commune One Product, or OCOP, programme, through trade fairs, business-matching events and domestic and international partnerships.
Ca Mau currently has 330 OCOP products: two are rated five stars, 74 four stars and 254 three stars. The province aims to raise the total to 460 by the end of 2026. More than 50 products are sold through major retail chains, including AEON, Co.opmart and MM Mega Market. More than 100 others have stable distribution links with Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang and other Mekong Delta localities.
Duong Vu Nam, deputy director of the provincial Department of Industry and Trade, said trade promotion must go beyond organising conferences. It should help businesses overcome market access barriers, connect with distributors and build brands, he said. The goal is to turn promotional activities into partnerships that produce tangible commercial value.
Nguyen Hoang An, chairman of the Cai Bat Cooperative, said trade promotion events had helped the cooperative increase sales of its OCOP products. It is also working with Minh Phu Group to develop ASC-certified shrimp farming areas and expand crab farming under safe production standards.
Alongside traditional channels, local authorities and businesses are accelerating digital transformation through e-commerce, electronic contracts and invoices, and cashless payments.
Strengthening the private sector
Since the beginning of 2026, Ca Mau has issued 1,349 business registration certificates, up 1.7% from a year earlier. Total registered capital reached 9.1 trillion VND, an increase of 4.3%. The province now has more than 10,130 operating businesses with combined registered capital exceeding 130 trillion VND.
Le Van Su, vice chairman of the provincial People's Committee, said Ca Mau would continue supporting businesses and investors, strengthen collective economic models, and help build production and distribution links for farmers.
Under the Politburo's Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW on private-sector development, Ca Mau aims to have 20,000 businesses by 2030, equal to eight businesses per 1,000 residents. The private sector is expected to grow by 10 to 12% annually and contribute about 55 to 58% of the province's gross regional domestic product.
Mai Kieu Oanh, vice chairwoman of the Ca Mau Young Entrepreneurs Association, said the association plans to recruit 100 additional members during its 2025–2030 term, support at least five start-up projects and organise 10 to 12 business-networking activities each year. It will also encourage members to use one another's products and services, build value chains and strengthen business links between provinces.
Local businesses are also exploring community-based ecotourism. Ngo Huynh Trang, director of Ca Mau Eco, said the company is working with residents in the U Minh Ha area to develop tourism experiences based on local produce, traditional occupations and rural lifestyles. The project is intended to create sustainable livelihoods in the Ca Mau Cape World Biosphere Reserve.
Ca Mau expects stronger business partnerships, innovation and better market connections to help it use its local potential and generate fresh momentum for sustainable economic growth.
Sources: VietnamPlus / Vietnam News Agency
