Cat Lai Port, Vietnam’s largest port, handles about 60 percent of the country’s total shipping container volume and serves as the country’s main gateway to international trade. However, increasing container volumes has led to congestion at the port, which can cause delays in customs clearance. To address this, on September 15, the USAID Trade Facilitation Program and HCMC Customs Department organized a workshop to present findings from an initial assessment of congestion at the port, including an overview of demand forecasts, port and shipping systems, customs procedures, and information and communications technology systems. An international team of port and logistics experts also proposed measures to reduce congestion. Over the next quarter, USAID and HCMC Customs will put together an action plan to mitigate congestion, including new or expanded facilities as well as IT-related solutions, which may be appropriate for private sector investment.
So What? Resolving congestion and enhancing maritime shipping, port operations, and clearance procedures at Cat Lai Port will improve Customs’ performance and trade facilitation. It will also enhance bilateral trade between the United States and Vietnam, and advance the Indo-Pacific vision of improved trade and competitiveness.
VOH Online