On September 18, 2025, the Vietnam Seaports Association (VPA) convened its 10th Term (2025 – 2030) Congress at the Pullman Hotel in Hai Phong. The choice of Hai Phong – an iconic port city in northern Vietnam – not only highlights the distinctive character of the maritime sector but also underscores the strategic importance of the seaport system within the broader national economy.

The Congress drew particular attention from governmental authorities, marked by the presence of Ms. Thang Thi Hanh – Director General of the Department of Non-Governmental Organizations – Ministry of Home Affairs; Mr. Le Anh Quan – Standing Committee Member, Permanent Vice Chairman of Hai Phong People’s Committee; Mr. Le Do Muoi – Director General of the Vietnam Maritime and Waterway Administration; Mr. Nguyen Dinh Chung – Member of the Board of Directors of the Vietnam Maritime Corporation (VIMC). Of special note was the participation of the delegation from Saigon Port Joint Stock Company (Saigon Port), led by Mr. Huynh Van Cuong – Chairman of the Board of Directors, together with more than 500 leaders and executives from 76 member organizations of the Association. The strong turnout and diversity of representatives underscored the importance of this Congress in shaping the strategic development of Vietnam’s seaport and logistics industries.

Since its inaugural Congress on August 15, 1994 at Saigon Port, VPA has established itself as a reputable professional organization and a bridge between regulatory authorities and port enterprises, making substantial contributions to the development of the national seaport system for over the past three decades. During the five-year tenure of the 9th Executive Committee (2020 – 2025), VPA’s membership grew by 14%. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, nationwide seaport cargo throughput still expanded by 19%, including a notable 31% increase in container throughput. On average, annual growth stood at approximately 4% for total cargo volume, 6% for container throughput and about 4% for membership.

In addition to addressing a broad range of strategic, cooperative and developmental issues for the seaport system, the Congress placed particular focus on the surge in container throughput at deep-water ports – acknowledged as the mainstream in port operations and development over the past term. This momentum has positioned Vietnam among the countries with some of the world’s largest container-handling seaports. According to Lloyd’s List 2023, container throughput at the port clusters of Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, and Cai Mep ranked 23rd, 31st and 32nd globally, respectively. Projections indicate that, under favorable economic and market conditions, Vietnam’s total container throughput will approach 26 million TEUs by 2025. This growth trajectory provides a strong foundation for the country’s maritime industry and ocean economy to boost competitiveness at both regional and global levels.

The Cai Mep – Thi Vai complex remains Vietnam’s primary hub for deep-water container operations, handling over 10 million TEUs in 2024 and serving as a long-standing magnet for international shipping lines. Currently, Saigon Port holds stakes in five joint ventures and affiliated companies in the area, including SSIT (SSA Marine, USA), CMIT (APM Terminals, Denmark), SP-PSA (PSA International, Singapore), Thi Vai General Port and Korea Express Saigon Port. This presence underscores Saigon Port’s strong foothold in the nation’s largest deep-water container market while positioning it to shape long-term strategic growth. As Cai Mep – Thi Vai continues to consolidate its role as a critical gateway for global shipping, Saigon Port is poised to reinforce its influence through its participation in the forthcoming Can Gio International Transshipment and Gateway Port project. The synergy between these two strategic hubs is expected to create fresh growth momentum, further enhancing Saigon Port’s role in strengthening the competitiveness of Vietnam’s seaport system on the global logistics map.

As well as VPA’s regular activities, and in line with the Resolution of the 9th Congress, the 9th Executive Committee guided the Association in undertaking several new initiatives during the 2020 – 2025 term. These included implementing tasks in accordance with the Charter and directives of the Ministry of Home Affairs; engaging in various activities at the request of regulatory authorities and member ports; successfully organizing the 2024 Annual Meeting in conjunction with the 30th Anniversary Celebration of the Association (1994 – 2024), hosted by Saigon Port in Ho Chi Minh City; attending a major APA event, the 12th Sports Meet in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with nearly 80 athletes from Saigon Port, Saigon Newport Corporation, Hai Phong Port and achieving a total of 36 medals, including 19 gold, 12 silver, and 5 bronze; …

One of the most significant agendas of this Congress was the election of the 10th Executive Committee for the 2025 – 2030 term to select a leadership team responsible for organizing, operating and orienting the Association’s activities amid the context of deepening international integration, where opportunities go hand in hand with challenges. As a result, Mr. Huynh Van Cuong – Vice Chairman of Vietnam Seaports Association, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Saigon Port – was elected Chairman of VPA for the 10th term (2025 – 2030). Mr. Nguyen Le Chon Tam – General Director of Saigon Port – was also elected to the Executive Committee for the same term. This transition reflects the unity and trust of the membership towards Saigon Port, while also fostering expectations for the continuation and promotion of the tradition of solidarity and companionship among generations of leaders in the sustainable development of the Association. In addition, Mr. Nguyen Tuong Anh – General Director of Hai Phong Port, Mr. Nguyen Manh Ha – General Director of Can Tho Port, Mr. Bui Van Quy – Deputy General Director of Saigon Newport Corporation and Mr. Tran Le Tuan – General Director of Da Nang Port were elected Vice Chairmen of the Association; while Mr. Nguyen Xuan Ky – Board of Trustees of CMIT – was elected Secretary-General of the Association.

Once again, congratulations to the VPA on the successful conclusion of its 10th Congress and to Mr. Huynh Van Cuong on his new role. His leadership is expected to continue guiding the Association in advancing the development of Vietnam’s seaport industry in the years ahead.

Thai Vuong Nhi