Among the elected representatives to the 16th National Assembly is Professor Dr. Nguyen Thanh Phuong, a scientist dedicated to the people of the Mekong Delta.
Professor Dr. Nguyen Thanh Phuong is a member of the National Assembly’s Committee on Science, Public Affairs, and Environment for the 13th, 14th, and 15th legislatures; a member of the State Council of Professors and President of the Interdisciplinary Council of Professors in Livestock – Veterinary Medicine – Aquaculture, and secretary of the Party Committee of Can Tho University.
The scientist of the people of the Mekong Delta.
When discussing Professor Nguyen Thanh Phuong, one thinks of a scientist who has made a major contribution to the fishery industry and maintains close ties with the people of the Mekong Delta. His research on freshwater giant shrimp and catfish breeding has found many applications, thus improving the living conditions of farmers.
His work on freshwater giant shrimps began with small experiments, funded by the Faculty of Fisheries of Can Tho University, with rudimentary equipment. The results exceeded all expectations, laying the foundation for further research. Many projects were implemented, including research on freshwater giant shrimp larvae production through an improved green water model, perfecting breeding techniques. In particular, the project of transferring techniques for breeding freshwater giant shrimp to a family scale has enabled the people of the Mekong Delta to produce over 100 million shrimp larvae per year.
In addition to production development, his research also focused on environmental factors. In 1992, while studying at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), he researched the effects of pesticides on shrimps and fishes, in the context of their widespread use in integrated farming systems. Between 1995 and 1998, as part of his doctoral thesis in France, he studied fish farming in cages and improving the pangasius diet, thereby promoting the use of commercial feeds, reducing costs, and limiting pollution.
In 2005, faced with the excessive and widespread use of drugs in shrimp farming, he continued to propose and implement solutions for sustainable and safe production.
Despite his numerous contributions, he believes that his role is primarily about research and technology transfer, with real efficiency depending on individuals. “Drawing on the realities of people’s lives and production, my research focuses on problems that require top priority attention,” he explained.
Linking scientific research to sustainable development policies.
Professor Nguyen Thanh Phuong was born in 1965 in Vinh Long province. In 1986, he graduated with honors in aquaculture from Can Tho University and was recruited there.
He obtained a master’s degree from the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in 1992 and defended his doctoral thesis at the National Institute of Technology in Toulouse, France, in 1998.
Deeply concerned and passionate about the people of the Mekong Delta and the fishery industry, he has repeatedly expressed frank, scientifically based, and pragmatic opinions in the National Assembly.
During discussions on the fisheries law, he emphasized that fishery resources are “not inexhaustible” and therefore stressed the need for rigorous management of exploitation activities, protection of ecosystems, and sustainable development. He specifically mentioned the depletion of resources due to overexploitation, environmental pollution, and the consequences of climate change as issues directly affecting the livelihoods of coastal and Mekong Delta populations.
He also proposed modernizing the legal framework by establishing a quota system for managing fishery resource exploitation, not only at the local level, to meet international integration requirements and contribute to lifting the “yellow card” warning from the European Union regarding Vietnamese seafood products. In addition, he suggested integrating principles to ensure the safety of seafood products throughout the production chain, thus improving their quality and reputation on the market.
As an educator, he is deeply invested in educational issues. In an interview with Tri Thuc va Cuoc Song (Knowledge and Life) magazine, Professor Nguyen Thanh Phuong stated that as a deputy, he had repeatedly suggested the need to establish a scholarship program for bright students, similar to those in other countries.
Thus, high school graduates can apply for university scholarships covering tuition and living expenses. These scholarships aim to encourage and train talented individuals ready to serve their country. Each year, the government announces the number of scholarships available for each university, and they use this information to select recipients.
Elected to the 16th National Assembly, Professor Dr. Nguyen Thanh Phuong is committed to focusing his action program on the sustainable development of the Mekong Delta and Can Tho city, prioritizing human resource development to serve agriculture, fishery, and key economic sectors in the face of climate change.
He is also committed to actively participating in drafting laws, solutions, and important decisions of the National Assembly while promoting policies to support the development of agricultural production, processing, and consumption chains to ensure livelihoods and stable incomes for the population.
