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 on
Oct. 14, Vuong Dinh Lam, chairman of the Vietnam Maritime
Administration, set out the ambitious agenda: Foreign and local firms
discuss a comprehensive plan to develop shipping and ports in Vietnam
.
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 Vietnam 's sea-based economy which is expected to
contribute 53 percent to 55 percent 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 Vietnam , Maersk Vietnam , Cai Mep
International Port , Sai Gon New Port , Global Maritime and
Port Services, APL-NOL Vietnam , and YCH Group gave presentations
and held panel discussions.
They were joined by officials from the Ministry of Transport and the Vietnam 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./.
