Unlocking the Flow of Trade Through the Cai Mep – Thi Vai Port Cluster: A Strategic Blueprint

National Interests Take Precedent

Mr. Nguyen Hong Phuc, Director of Tan Cang – Cai Mep JSC, emphasized the vital role of Cai Mep – Thi Vai in facilitating international trade since its inauguration in 2009. While inter-agency efforts have been made to streamline administrative procedures by establishing offices, inspection equipment, and risk management at the port, Mr. Phuc anticipates an increase in cargo volume and underscores the need for additional human resources to prevent potential bottlenecks in customs clearance.

“As the volume of cargo and customer demand in the Cai Mep area grows, we earnestly request that the relevant authorities invest in fixed X-ray scanning machines at the ports and provide support for cargo scanning, especially in terms of additional manpower. If we fail to address this issue, it will undoubtedly create another bottleneck,” Mr. Phuc stated.

Mr. Do Thien Anh Tuan, Dean of the Fulbright School of Public Policy and Management and Head of the Consulting Team for the Proposal “Developing Ba Ria-Vung Tau into a National Maritime Economic Center,” emphasized the necessity of constructing and perfecting a focused and breakthrough maritime economic cluster ecosystem based on existing strengths and developmental demands to facilitate export cargo flow through Cai Mep – Thi Vai.

Mr. Tuan also highlighted the importance of integrating port, maritime transport, and cargo services in developing a logistics system, along with investing in port infrastructure and transportation networks to and from the port. Additionally, he advocated for the extensive application of technology in port operations, increasing cargo volume transported through the port to economic centers in the region and worldwide, reducing logistics costs, and enhancing the competitiveness of locally produced goods.

According to Mr. Tuan, Cai Mep – Thi Vai should be regarded as the country’s maritime economic center rather than solely that of Ba Ria – Vung Tau or the region: “In line with Resolution 24 of the Politburo and Resolution 154 of the Government, we must continue to develop Cai Mep – Thi Vai into an international transshipment port, not just for Ba Ria – Vung Tau but as a strategic port for the Southeast region, the South, and the entire nation. Only by adopting this perspective can we mobilize the active participation of central ministries, sectors, and local authorities in the region.”

Living Up to Its Reputation as a Gateway Port

In alignment with the Government’s Resolution 154/NQ-CP, Ba Ria – Vung Tau province is currently formulating a proposal to “Develop Ba Ria – Vung Tau into a National Maritime Economic Center” and “Continue to Develop and Modernize the Cai Mep – Thi Vai International Gateway Port into the Country’s Largest International Transshipment Hub of Regional and Global Significance.”

Mr. Pham Anh Tuan, General Director of Portcoast Joint Stock Company, shared insights into the proposal’s goals: “By 2030, this region is expected to attract 10% of international transshipment container volume (over 350,000 TEU, 4-5%), and from 2030 to 2050, it aims to reach 20-25%, eventually targeting 50% of international transshipment containers through Cai Mep – Thi Vai.”

Mr. Tuan outlined several strategies to achieve these goals, including cargo regulation (from Binh Dinh province and further south) for long-haul sea transportation, reducing maritime fees, and implementing mechanisms to encourage domestic maritime transport units to consolidate cargo instead of solely providing services.

“The Government and the Ministry of Transport must directly coordinate the flow of import and export goods through the Cai Mep – Thi Vai area. They should also adopt a flexible framework for container handling charges in different regions to foster healthy competition. In terms of infrastructure, we eagerly anticipate the operation of the inter-port transportation route connecting to Phuoc An Bridge in Dong Nai province, enabling goods from the Mekong Delta region to directly access the high-speed Ben Luc – Long Thanh route to reach this area,” Mr. Tuan remarked.

From its initial planning stages to the present, the Ba Ria – Vung Tau port and the Cai Mep – Thi Vai port cluster have been envisioned by the Central Government to serve as a gateway for international trade and integration, not only for Vietnam but also for the Southeast Asian region. Given their significance, the Government and relevant ministries and sectors will continue to implement positive solutions to attract more businesses to utilize the Cai Mep – Thi Vai port cluster for customs clearance and international trade.