VN’s maritime showing a positive role domestically and internationally

VGP – With the goal of becoming the spearhead of Viêt Nam’s sea-borne economy by 2020, the maritime sector is trying to modernize itself and improve its status on international forums.

September 14, 2008 3:11 PM GMT+7

Maritime sector wants to become the spearhead of Viêt Nam’s sea-borne economy by 2020

Việt Nam’s maritime sector boasts a system of 160 seaports and 305 piers. The annual growth rate of cargo circulation averages 20%. The sector is boosting up the modernization of seaports, especially deep-water ones, increasing loading/unloading capacity, and minimizing costs to improve competitiveness in the era of international integration.

Currently, Việt Nam is an active member of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), International Association of Lighthouse Authorities (IALA), International Maritime Satellite Organization (INMARSAT), COSPAS-SARSAT Agreement, Tokyo MoU on Port State Control, ASEAN’s forums on sea transport, and APEC’s working team for transport.

Việt Nam has assumed the two-year presidency of the ASEAN working team on sea transport (2008-2009). Early this year, the Việt Nam Maritime Department successfully chaired the 15^th meeting of the ASEAN Working Group for sea transport. It will also host the 11^th Asia-Pacific Heads of Maritime Safety Agencies Forum in 2009 and the annual meeting of the Tokyo MoU Port State Control Committee in 2010.

By Ngọc Vân