Port cluster fostering national economic growth

Under a plan on developing Vietnam’s seaport network, the Cai Mep - Thi Vai seaport cluster in the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau is to become one of two special seaports in the country - an international gateway and an international trans-shipment port.

Cai Mep International Terminal welcomed the maiden call of the Margrethe Maersk (Denmark) - one of the largest container vessels in the world - on October 25, 2020. It was also the largest container vessel in commercial operation to ever berth in Vietnam.

This was a crucial event, helping to put Vietnam on the world maritime map, with the seaport cluster becoming one of 19 international ports capable of berthing the Margrethe Maersk.

Located on a busy international maritime route connecting Asia and other continents and boasting many favourable conditions, Cai Mep - Thi Vai is becoming the first choice of many famous shipping lines around the world.

Despite the serious effects of COVID-19 last year, the volume of goods passing through Ba Ria-Vung Tau’s seaport maintained its growth momentum. In the first nine months of 2021, the port cluster welcomed nearly 900 ship arrivals and handled more than 6 million TEUs, up 28 percent year-on-year.

Ba Ria – Vung Tau has conducted projects to build a logistics centre and develop infrastructure to facilitate transportation between the province and other localities to boost development of the Cai Mep – Thi Vai seaport.

With existing potential, together with strong investment from the government and the efforts of the province, the Cai Mep - Thi Vai port cluster will continue to be a key trade hub, contributing to economic development in Ba Ria-Vung Tau in particular and the country in general./.

VNA