This is a significant event for the development of the Mekong Delta ingeneral and the maritime sector in particular, marking an importantstep in seeking ways for the southwestern region’s import-export goods,PM Dung said.
It will also help improve the living conditions of people in 13 provinces and cities in the region, he added.
At present, the volume of the Mekong Delta’s import-export goods isestimated at around 15 million tonnes per year. However, the region’sriver and sea port system can only handle 20-30 percent of goodsvolume. The two largest seaports in the region, namely Can Tho and CaiCui, are only capable of receiving vessels with capacities of3,000-5,000 tonnes.
Once completed in the next 36 months, the 40-km passage, which runsthrough the areas of Duyen Hai and Tra Cu districts of Tra Vinhprovince, will create favourable conditions for ships of 10,000-20,000tonnes to come in and out ports on the Hau River.
Earlier, PM Dung met with Tra Vinh leaders to discuss the province’s socio-economic situation.
The PM praised the provincial authorities and people’s efforts inboosting socio-economic development, especially maintaining an annualGDP growth of over 10 percent.
He asked the provincial leaders to continue to instruct the effectiveimplementation of policies on great national unity, ethnic minoritiesand religion, creating favourable conditions for the Khmer people topractise religious activities and actively participate in patrioticmovements./.