%%Located in the middle of the Mekong River delta, Cần Thơ is a province which enjoys fertile soil conditions. Its provincial capital is Cần Thơ City. This city is considered as the capital of those provinces in the western region of South-Vietnam. Inhabited by more than 300,000 people, it is home to the southern Vietnam Institute of Agriculture and the Cần Thơ Institute. Set up in 1966, Cần Thơ Institute provides higher training in agriculture and medicine as well as teacher training. It also conducts research into soil conditions, rice strains, techniques of shrimp farming in the rackish water of Mekong River Delta. It has established research cooperative ties with some foreign colleges and universities. Bến Ninh Kiều (Ninh Kiều Wharf) is the city's major trading centre. Close to Ninh Kiều Wharf is the Cần Thơ harbour which can accommodate ships of up to 5,000 tons. The Cần Thơ Market is a major market place in the western region of South-Vietnam. The riverside market is attractive for its floating restaurant located in the Hậu River. Connoisseurs can enjoy the province's specialties while watching the bustling river route where hundreds of boats hurriedly pass by.