Can Tho: The problem of preserving and developing Cai Rang floating market

As road and air transport and trade are increasingly developed, it is inevitable that many floating markets in the Mekong Delta are no longer as busy as before. Cai Rang floating market still exists in a special way: economic development associated with tourism.

Many tourists, especially international tourists, know and are impressed with Can Tho through Cai Rang floating market and its cool green canals. Mr. Le Thanh Phong, Permanent Vice President of the Mekong Delta Tourism Association, said: "Cai Rang floating market is a unique feature of the river not only of Can Tho but also of the Mekong Delta, a cultural space closely linked to the history of the land, a valuable asset that must be preserved. Without Cai Rang floating market, Can Tho tourism will be greatly affected." In fact, Cai Rang floating market tours are always a must-have in the Can Tho itinerary of most travel companies, departing every day.

However, while Cai Rang floating market tourism has not yet resolved its shortcomings (waste causing aesthetic loss; products and experiences are still monotonous...), there is also the problem of the floating market being dispersed in space due to the impact of embankment construction. Specifically, currently the construction of the Riverbank Embankment Project - Responding to Climate Change in Can Tho City, has reached the Cai Rang floating market section. Previously, this was an area with many houses, vegetable and fruit warehouses connecting trade "on the wharf under the boat". When the embankment was built, many warehouses had to move, causing the movement of agricultural boats and dispersing to many areas, instead of being densely concentrated in a space like before. This problem requires the joint efforts of many sectors and levels.

Since 2016, the Cai Rang Floating Market Conservation and Development Project has been implemented by Can Tho City, with 13 items. Up to now, many tasks have been completed, notably social security activities. Cai Rang District People's Committee has created conditions for 170 households to borrow from the Social Policy Bank, develop tourism products and services, and agricultural products. The number of visitors to Cai Rang floating market increases by an average of 12-15% per year. But in reality, the conservation work of Cai Rang floating market still faces many difficulties, specifically: state management of floating markets is in many sectors and at many levels, overlapping; environmental protection is still inadequate... Currently, the construction of river embankments is affecting the cultural space of Cai Rang floating market.

The leaders of Can Tho City People's Committee have directed departments and branches to find solutions to overcome difficulties, with the most important goal of retaining traders and preserving the culture of Cai Rang floating market. The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Can Tho City is coordinating with the City's Institute of Socio-Economics to complete the project outline "Preserving and promoting the cultural heritage value of Cai Rang floating market until 2030"; the Department of Industry and Trade is researching and proposing specific policies to facilitate the maintenance of Cai Rang floating market according to regulations; the Department of Planning and Investment is researching and proposing the establishment of a floating market management board, policies for investors, businesses, and experts to research and develop Cai Rang floating market; the Department of Natural Resources and Environment is developing and implementing environmental protection projects and campaigns to collect waste on the river; the Department of Transport is reviewing, managing, and planning inland waterway ports to serve tourists, and managing tourist transport vehicles, etc.

Currently, there are many suggestions that in the construction of the river embankment at Cai Rang floating market, it is necessary to consider adding gates and alleys to create conditions for warehouses and traders to have a place to buy and sell, connecting "on the wharf and under the boat". Localities and relevant sectors should find solutions for Cai Rang floating market to be recognized as a traditional craft village to have economic support policies for traders. In addition to preserving the current status of the floating market, it is necessary to consider building a space for development in the direction of tourism. Because in reality, many traders in Cai Rang floating market do not directly participate in tourism activities, they only buy and sell vegetables and fruits wholesale. Only a few small boats have food and beverage services, so the experience for tourists is not diverse. Having a tourism space will help invest in more diverse products and services.