City hosts ports, logistics confab

The Viet Nam Container Ports and Logistics 2010 conference offers delegates the opportunity to exchange information on port and logistics management and operations amid the global economic recovery.

Speaking at the two-day conference which opened in HCM City yesterday, Vuong Dinh Lam, chairman of the Viet Nam Maritime Administration, set out the ambitious agenda: Foreign and local firms discuss a comprehensive plan to develop shipping and ports in Viet Nam.

In the last two years, despite the economic crisis, port and logistics operations in the country were encouraging due to the Government’s effective economic management and the efforts of the maritime sector, he said.

From handling 197 million tonnes of freight in 2008, the sector’s output increased to 251 million tonnes last year, he said.

From 1,199 vessels weighing 4.38 million DWT in 2007, the county’s fleet increased to 1,598 ships and 6.3 million DWT last year, he said.

The target for the maritime industry by 2020 is to be the largest component of Viet Nam’s sea-based economy which is expected to contribute 53 per cent to 55 per cent of GDP, he said.

The Government continues to promote maritime administrative reform and is drafting legal documents and strategies that comply with the country’s laws and international conventions, he said.

Vietnamese companies provided an insight into infrastructure and port development around the country to support cargo transport.

Executives from major industry players like Antwerp Port Authority, Maersk Line Asia Pacific, and the International Association of Ports and Harbors, NYK Line Viet Nam, Maersk Viet Nam, Cai Mep International Port, Sai Gon New Port, Global Maritime and Port Services, APL-NOL Viet Nam, and YCH Group gave presentations and held panel discussions.

They were joined by officials from the Ministry of Transport and the Viet Nam Maritime Administration.

There was a pre-conference workshop on Practical Strategies to Optimise Port Operations, Planning and Logistics highlighting strategies for sustainable port development and addressing the demands of efficient container and general purpose terminals. — VNS

Tags: Viet Nam Container Ports and Logistics 2010