PM highlights importance of Lien Chieu seaport construction

• Vietnam eager to develop Lien Chieu deep seaport
• HCM City calls for investment in waterway, seaport projects
• Automated system for seaport customs management makes debut

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc at the working session

PM Phuc said the volume of cargo going through Da Nang city’s Tien Sa port has increased recently, causing congestion in the city and hurting its socio-economic development. Many big vessels have been unable to enter the port due to its low water level. 

He lauded the municipal authorities and the Ministry of Transport (MoT) for their plan on the socialization in the construction of the Lien Chieu seaport project, including wharves, loading and unloading services, and logistics. 

The leader asked the city to directly work with the MoT and the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MoPI) to make a proposal on initial support in order to accelerate the project’s progress. 

As the Lien Chieu seaport lies in an important location, its planning should be made synchronously and thoroughly, towards building a modern and world-class seaport, he said. 

The PM suggested that the city could establish a steering committee or a special working group to launch the project. 

The municipal authorities reported that cargo via Da Nang port grew by 16.2% annually and is forecast to surge to nearly 10 million tonnes by 2020, and about 30 million tonnes by 2030 – which is beyond the capacity of the port’s Tien Sa and Son Tra wharves for that period. 

Recently, cargo from Tien Sa port to Yet Kieu, Ngo Quyen, and Ngu Hanh Son highways have jumped up, causing deadly accidents caused by container trucks and trailers, which is of great concern to all. 

So far, a feasibility report for the Lien Chieu port project has been completed, while a report on capital appraisal has been submitted to the MoPI. The MoPI is collecting feedback from the Ministry of Finance and the MoT on the project.