At noon on October 22^th, 2024, the Finnish Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, Mr. Ville Tavio, had an important meeting with the leadership of Saigon Port Joint Stock Company (Saigon Port). This exchange was part of a series of bilateral diplomatic activities held within the framework of the 2024 Green Economy Forum & Exhibition (GEFE 2024), a scale event aimed at promoting cooperation for green and sustainable economic development.

On the Finnish side, there were Minister Ville Tavio and high-level delegations from the Ministry for Foreign Trade and Development, along with representatives from various businesses. From Saigon Port, the meeting was attended by Mr. Huynh Van Cuong – Chairman of the Board of Directors (BOD), Mr. Vu Phuoc Long – BOD Member, and Mr. Tran Ngoc Thach – Deputy General Director. Notably, the discussion between Vietnam and Finland also included the presence of Mr. Le Quang Trung – Deputy General Director of Vietnam Maritime Corporation (VIMC), along with representatives from maritime businesses and strategic specialists in project development and international cooperation.

Saigon Port leadership and delegates from Finland at the meeting held

at noon on October 22^th.

Mr. Huynh Van Cuong (right) – Chairman of the BOD of Saigon Port and Mr. Ville Tavio (left) – Minister of Foreign Trade and Development of Finland.

During the meeting, Mr. Ville Tavio expressed his special interest in the potential development of Vietnam’s maritime industry, particularly the crucial role of Saigon Port in international trade connectivity and regional economic development. With strategic location and an increasingly expanding network of seaports, the Finnish representatives highlighted that Vietnam, especially Ho Chi Minh City, has significant opportunities to collaborate with Finland in applying advanced technologies in maritime transport, smart ports and sustainable supply chain management.

Mr. Ville Tavio expressed his desire to cooperate with Saigon Port in the future.

At the same time, the Saigon Port leadership also warmly welcomed Minister Ville Tavio and was looking forward to strengthening further cooperation with Finland in the near future. Saigon Port also shared its strategic development goals, including enhancing operational capacity, modernizing port infrastructure and aiming for international standards in logistics operations. With support from international partners, especially Finland, Saigon Port expects to make significant breakthroughs, contributing positively to the global maritime value chain.

Mr. Trinh Quang Tuan – Deputy Head of Saigon Port Business Department – presented the operational systems and some focal projects of Saigon Port.

Mr. Le Quang Trung – Deputy General Director of VIMC – remarked at the exchange.

Additionally, the Finnish business representatives also paid special interest in one of Saigon Port’s main ongoing projects – the Can Gio International Transshipment and Gateway Port Project. As of now, the project has been included by the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee in the list of key city projects to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the Liberation of Southern Vietnam and National Reunification (April 30^th, 1975 – April 30^th, 2025). The Can Gio transshipment port represents a significant breakthrough in Vietnam’s maritime infrastructure development strategy, a quintessential combination between VIMC and Saigon Port, along with MSC (the world’s largest shipping company) and its subsidiary TIL, which specializes in container port operations and investments. Located at a strategic gateway to the East Vietnam Sea, the project aims to become a major transshipment hub, connecting with international shipping routes. The transit port is designed with a modern scale, incorporating advanced technologies and international standards to optimize operations and minimize environmental impact.

Mr. Huynh Van Cuong introduced the Can Gio International Transshipment and Gateway Port project.

The meeting between Minister Ville Tavio, the Finnish delegates and the Saigon Port leadership concluded in an openness and cooperation atmosphere. Both sides agreed that maritime collaboration between Vietnam and Finland would not only contribute to the economic growth of both countries but also promote global sustainable values. Sharing experiences, technologies and modern management solutions will serve as a firm foundation for strong future growth.

VIMC and Saigon Port leaders presented memento to Minister Ville Tavio.

This event marks not only an important milestone in the cooperation between Saigon Port and Finland but also serves as a testament to the active international integration of Vietnam’s maritime industry. With support and collaboration from international partners like Finland, Saigon Port will continue to develop, affirming its vital role in the regional port system.

Thai Vuong Nhi

Photos: Nguyen Ngoc Duy