Vietnam state officials instructed contractors of the International Cai Mep-Thi Vai port project to overcome difficulties and complete its infrastructure development as scheduled by late 2012, according to local media reports.
The Cai Mep-Thi Vai port project is comprised of three major parts—the Cai Mep container port, Thi Vai general goods port, and an infrastructure network of bridges and roads connecting the two ports to National Highway 51.
To meet the infrastructure project’s December 2012 deadline, the Department of Transport has told contractors to facilitate the construction of the bridges and roads that will link the National Highway 51 to the Cai Mep port complex, allowing for the faster transport of goods to and from the area.
The Ministry of Transport also asked the contractors to maximize the use of their equity capital after the reciprocal capital for the project was not allocated on time.
Once improvements are completed, the deep-sea port is expected to promote the economic development of the country, especially in the southern region.
It is seen as a shipping gateway for the handling of import and export cargo for the industrial zones in the south, the VPA Shipping Times reported. At least three provinces in the south (Dong Nai, Binh Duong, Ba Ria-Vung Tau) have a total of 46 industrial zones in operation.
The port project is also expected to speed up the relocation of ports located in the inner Ho Chi Minh City, establish direct trade routes from Vietnam to other countries, and reduce transit time and cost.
The Cai Mep-Thi Vai area located in Ba Ria-Vung Tau boasts more than 50 seaports but is reportedly having difficulty attracting container ships to dock because of poor infrastructure.
Officials of the province said the poor infrastructure was largely due to a capital shortage.
Photo: felixtriller
