Part 6/13:
However, Cambodia’s plans have ignited concerns downstream, especially from neighboring Vietnam. As a major rice exporter and the holder of the world’s most extensive deltas, Vietnam’s economy relies heavily on the Mekong River system. The Mekong Delta supplies around 80% of Vietnam’s rice exports and supports fisheries, aquaculture, and other water-dependent industries.
Vietnam fears the potential diversion of water by the canal could diminish river flow, exacerbate saltwater intrusion, and threaten food security. Analyses suggest that during dry seasons and drought years, the canal could reduce the flow in the Mekong by about 94 cubic meters per second, significantly impacting agriculture and fisheries.