Ho Chi Minh City and Mekong Delta Unite for 'On the Boat, By the Wharf' Fruit Week

Phu Dinh Ward in Ho Chi Minh City is taking the lead in fostering closer ties with the fertile Mekong Delta region through a vibrant fruit week event, themed 'On the Boat, By the Wharf.' This initiative, co-organized with the Mekong Delta National Agricultural Extension Center, seeks to bridge the gap between urban consumers and the rich agricultural produce of the delta. The event is not just about commerce; it's a deliberate effort to preserve and promote the unique cultural heritage of floating markets, a tradition deeply ingrained in the region's identity.

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Sự kiện Chợ hoa xuân Trên bến dưới thuyền năm 2026 của phường Phú Định đã thành công thu hút hơn 3 triệu lượt người tham quan, mua sắm, cho thấy tiềm năng lớn của loại hình du lịch sông nước.

Local leaders, like Mr. Bui Trung Truc, Chairman of Phu Dinh Ward's People's Committee, are championing this endeavor, drawing on the ward's past successes in organizing similar events, such as the 'Spring Flower Festival on the Boat, By the Wharf' which attracted millions. His call for continued collaboration with Mekong Delta provinces underscores a strategic vision to create a sustainable platform for agricultural trade and tourism. The enthusiasm from businesses and cooperatives, such as Thanh Duc Cooperative from Vinh Long, is palpable. They are eager to showcase their more than 1,000 OCOP-certified products, seeking permanent exhibition spaces within the bustling city to ensure their specialties are accessible year-round.

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Tôi mong muốn phường Phú Định sẽ xây dựng thêm các điểm trưng bày cố định, để những sản phẩm OCOP đặc trưng của địa phương có cơ hội xuất hiện từng phút, từng giây trong nhịp sống TP.HCM.

However, the path forward is not without its challenges. Concerns about counterfeit products and the misuse of regional brand names threaten to undermine consumer trust and the reputation of genuine Mekong Delta specialties. This underscores the critical need for robust brand protection mechanisms, a point strongly advocated by representatives like Mr. Lam Hoang Chi. The organizers are also looking to enhance the event's reach through more frequent trade promotion conferences and online connectivity, as suggested by Ms. Luu Thi Yen Hang of Hong Tan Rice Company, who also highlighted the need for temporary accommodation for participating businesses during events in the city.

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Tuy nhiên, theo ông Chí, tình trạng trà trộn hàng kém chất lượng, “mượn danh” đặc sản miệt vườn cũng làm sụt giảm uy tín thương hiệu, ảnh hưởng niềm tin người tiêu dùng.

The upcoming 'Fruit Week' from June 12 to 19, 2026, promises to be a significant showcase, featuring around 230 stalls offering a diverse range of specialty fruits, OCOP products, traditional cuisine, and green agricultural goods. This event represents a vital opportunity for the Mekong Delta to connect with the Ho Chi Minh City market, driving economic growth and celebrating the region's agricultural prowess. From our perspective at Tuổi Trẻ, this initiative is a testament to the dynamic spirit of cooperation and a forward-thinking approach to leveraging cultural heritage for economic development.

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Ngoài ra, bà cũng đề xuất phường bố trí thêm chỗ tạm trú cho doanh nghiệp trong thời gian diễn ra sự kiện tại TP.HCM…