Speaking at Vinalines’ conference on the implementation of its 2007 plan in Hanoi on March 5, PM Dung allowed the corporation to make its own decision to buy cargo ships and mobilize investment sources for seaport development in combination with marine services.

Regarding investment sources to develop the fleet of ships and seaports, the PM said that Vinalines should equitise as soon as possible, borrow loans from commercial banks and issue bonds to mobilize capital sources for the implementation of projects instead of using the State budget, as well as limiting the use of official development assistance (ODA) capital.

Mr Dung noted that the sea plays an important role. However, he said the seaport and marine transport system has not fully tapped the country’s potential. In particular, the system has not yet made use of its advantages to meet the nation’s increasing demand for marine transport. Therefore, the corporation should increase its competitiveness and to meet the demand for cargo transport.

The PM stressed that Vinalines should quickly develop its fleet, speed up the tempo of shipbuilding projects and implement shipbuilding activities in foreign countries.

Mr Dung asked the corporation to implement the project on building Van Phong seaport in the central province of Khanh Hoa, Lach Huyen deep-water seaport in the northern city of Hai Phong, five Dinh Vu wharfs in Hai Phong and Cai Mep-Thi Vai seaport in the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau.