The Australian Embassy in Vietnam has launched a photo competition on Cao Lanh Bridge in the Mekong Delta province of Dong Thap, to celebrate the first anniversary of its opening. The bridge is Australia’s largest single development aid investment in mainland Southeast Asia and the competition aims to highlight its positive impact in the Delta.

“Cao Lanh Bridge is a crucial driver for development for the Mekong Delta region and an enduring symbol of the friendship between Australia and Vietnam,” said Australian Ambassador H.E. Craig Chittick. “I hope this competition will be an opportunity for all participants to tell their stories about the bridge and show their talent and creativity.”

Lasting from April 10 to May10, the competition is open to anyone with a creative flair who wants to share their favorite bridge snaps.

The photos can be of the bridge itself or clearly capture the impact the bridge has had on the region. Contestants can submit up to three photos at http://bit.ly/ThianhcauCaoLanh.

The winner will receive a Canon EOS 80D camera valued at VND25 million ($1,000) and the second and third prizes are an iPad 2018, valued at VND9 million ($388), and a shopping voucher valued at VND5 million ($215), respectively. The most liked photo, as chosen by fans of the Australia in Vietnam Facebook page, will also receive a shopping voucher valued at VND5 million ($215). Five honorary mentions will each receive a set of IELTS English language books, a kangaroo-designed helmet, and a certificate of appreciation. The results of the competition will be announced in the last week of May on the Australia in Vietnam Facebook page.

For further information on the rules of the competition, please visit Australia in Vietnam’s Facebook note at http://bit.ly/thelecuocthiCaolanh.

Cao Lanh Bridge and its inter-connecting roads was a joint funding partnership between the Vietnamese Government, the Australian Government, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and is part of the Central Mekong Delta Region Connectivity Project (CMDCP). The project, to which Australia committed AUD160 million ($115 million), builds on its previous investment in the My Thuan Bridge, the first bridge over the Mekong River and the first cable stayed bridge in Vietnam, spanning 2.4 km across the Tien River and linking Tien Giang and Vinh Long provinces, with a further 25.1 km of interconnecting roads. An estimated 170,000 people cross the bridge each day.

Since its opening on May 27, 2018, Cao Lanh Bridge has helped reduce travel time in the Mekong Delta, opening up new trade opportunities for Vietnamese agricultural products across the Greater Mekong Sub-region, promoting private investment, supporting food security, and improving access of local people to vital social and health services.