In order to strengthen friendly relations, cooperation, and development between Saigon Port and Osaka Port (Japan), and also an opportunity for both ports to exchange technical expertise in various topics such as ‘Port Business,’ ‘Carbon Emission Reduction,’ and ‘Smart Ports,’ Saigon Port had visited upon the invitation of Osaka Port from August 21st to August 23rd, 2023.
Saigon Port delegation included Mr. Vo Hoang Giang – Secretary of the Party Committee, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, and Mr. Nguyen Le Chon Tam – General Director. The delegation was welcome by Mr. Maruyama Junya – General Director, Mr. Inoue Kotaro – Coordinator Director, Mr. Hideyuki Takahashi – Strategy Director, and other members of the Osaka Port’s Executive team.
Since 1993, Saigon Port and Osaka Port & Harbors Bureau have regularly organized Technical Exchange Programs to promote friendly cooperation and development on an annual basis. As usual, this year is an opportunity for both sides to meet, exchange, and share experiences on topics such as ‘Port Business,’ ‘Carbon Emission Reduction,’ and ‘Smart Ports‘.
At the meeting, Mr. Maruyama Junya – General Director of Osaka Port – also highly appreciated the visit and working session of Saigon Port. He shared information about digitalized operational models at ports, berths, and projects, including the Carbon Neutral Port (CNP) project in Minato, Osaka. He expressed a strong desire to have more opportunities to strengthen their friendship, cooperation, and development through specific programs between Saigon Port and Osaka Port.
In response, Mr. Nguyen Le Chon Tam – General Director of Saigon Port – expressed his gratitude for the enthusiastic welcome by the port leaders and appreciated Osaka Port’s proposal on ‘Strengthening friendly cooperation and development’ between the two parties. Mr. Tam shared that in the context of the world, the container shipping sector is growing strongly with global volumes increasing significantly compared to the same period, and Vietnam is eager to join this international shipping group. He also mentioned that Vietnam has been gradually developing its seaport sector. In addition to deep-water ports such as Cai Mep – Thi Vai, Van Phong, Lach Huyen, and Nam Do Son (Hai Phong), Vietnam will invest in the Can Gio International Transshipment Port, strategically located at the gateway to Ho Chi Minh City according to the national master plan for the period 2021 – 2030 and vision to 2050, Resolution No. 81/2023/QH15 dated January 9, 2023 of the National Assembly, by the Prime Minister. This project will be carried out through cooperation between the Vietnam Maritime Corporation (VIMC), Saigon Port, and the world’s largest shipping company, MSC/TIL.
The delegation from Saigon Port delegation also have site visit together with the leadership of Osaka Port to visit various operational models and ongoing projects, including the Carbon Neutral Port project in which Osaka Port is the lead investor. The visit concluded on August 23, 2023. With existing strengths, both ports are expected to have more opportunities for future cooperation.
Chuong Pham
