(VOVworld) – Vietnam’s 3,200 km coast line would seem to be favorable to a marine economy. But its seaport system has not been well planned for long term development. Our reporter To Tuan has more.
Over 90% of Vietnam’s import-export goods are transported by sea. Currently, Vietnam has 24 ports, not enough to meet the needs of ships discharging their cargo unloaded at seaports, which increase by 10% annually. Major ports such as Hai Phong, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City are playing a leading role in Vietnam’s seaport system. But the shortcomings of these ports are lack of space and poor connections to the national transport network. Do Xuan Quang, President of the Vietnam Freight Forwarders Association (VIFFAS) says:“The ports are not synchronous, ragged and not connective. For example, in many ports, the logistics chain remains incomplete. So it’s urgent to connect seaports and industrial export-processing zones.”
Experts say Vietnam’s seaport system should be re-developed comprehensively by upgrading infrastructure and updating management models. Chan May port in Thua Thien Hue province, which began operation in 2003, is now overloaded. Pier No1 was designed for a capacity of 1 million tons of cargo and currently receives 1.4 million tons of cargo. So the government is investing in building 2 more piers to meet increasing demands. Every year, Chan May port in Thua Thien Hue province welcomes by sea more than 500,000 tourists. If proper investment is made, it will contribute a major role in local and regional economy. Director of Chan May port Nguyen Huu Tho told VOV: “Thua Thien Hue province boasts 126km of coastline. Since the Chan May economic zone and port were built, the provincial economy has been improved. Previously it was costly to transport timber 100 km from Hue to Da Nang. Now it’s cheaper to go by sea. Operation of port has helped reduce poverty in the province.”
Many international investors have been present in Vietnam’s logistics services. Do Xuan Quang, President of the Vietnam Freight Forwarders Association again: “By 2014, all foreign companies will be permitted to do business in sea logistic services. However, Vietnamese companies will maintain their advantages as they have better understanding local markets.”
The Government has approved a strategy on the development of Vietnam’s seaport system worth 20 million USD by 2030. The national port system aims to be capable of unloading up to 600 million tons of cargo annually by 2015, 1 billion tons by 2020 and up to 2 billion tons by 2030. The strategy will help achieve Vietnam’s ultimate goal of having a strong marine economy.