British seaport businesses are ready to help Vietnam obtain breakthroughs in the industry and improve sea transport and management.
British Ambassador to Vietnam Mark Kent made this statement at the seminar, “UK-Vietnam Partnership in Ports” held in Hanoi Tuesday during a visit to Vietnam by a UK ports mission.
The seminar was held by UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) in Vietnam with the participation of nine leading businesses in UK port operations and development, provision of equipment and maritime services, and consultancies specialising in developing port infrastructure, coastal and offshore engineering and finance and education.
Representatives from UK businesses agreed that with over 3,200km of coastline and a strategic location in the region, Vietnam has huge potential for marine development.
Vietnam is attracting interest from international services and management companies who are seeking opportunities to develop markets involving ports and take part in projects to expand ports in Vietnam.
They said the UK, with its long and vast history in port development and operation and its strength in global markets, is well suited to assist Vietnam in this sector.
The UK has accumulated significant experience in port design and construction, providing marine safety, liquefied petroleum gas facilities, equipment, consultancy services, project management, training and financial, legal and logistical services.
Participants agreed that the UK, the world’s leading country in revamping and modernising port management, could help Vietnam create suitable solutions for management of its developing port facilities.
Addressing the seminar, Deputy Minister of Transport Nguyen Hong Truong said that under the plan, from now till 2015, the Vietnamese government would give priority to developing the infrastructure at Van Phong deep-water port in central Khanh Hoa province and Lach Huyen international port in the northern city of Hai Phong.
The UK port mission is on a three-day visit to Vietnam from Monday to showcase the UK ’s expertise in the port sector with the aim of highlighting the success of the UK-Vietnam partnership in this key sector.
They visited ports and worked with relevant agencies and sectors to study the operations of Vietnamese ports and the nation’s port development strategy, and to seek cooperative partnerships and investment opportunities.
