In the New York, USA, on the afternoon of September 21, 2023, as part of the official visit to the United States by the Vietnamese delegation, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính witnessed the ceremony for the exchange of cooperation documents between the Hai Phong People's Committee of Hai Phong2 City and businesses from both Vietnam and the United States regarding the research and development of the South Do Son Integrated Port project.

In line with the declaration of General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng and President Joe Biden to elevate the bilateral relationship between the two countries to the highest level of comprehensive strategic partnership, with the key being economic cooperation, as part of the bilateral activities during the visit to the United States, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính witnessed the exchange of cooperation documents between the People's Committee of Hải Phòng City and Saigon Telecommunication & Technologies Corporation (Saigontel), along with Kinh Bac City Development Holding Corporation (KBC) and Energy Capital Vietnam (ECV), in collaboration with the Port of Los Angeles, USA (POLA). Through this cooperation agreement, the parties will jointly conduct research and development for the South Do Son Integrated Port project in Hai Phong City, aiming to transform South Do Son Port into a modern gateway and a key transit hub for domestic and international cargo in Vietnam.

Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính witnessed the exchange of cooperation agreements between Hải Phòng City and Vietnamese - U.S. businesses (image:TTXVN)

In fact that Vietnam has over 3,000 kilometers of coastline, but there are not many suitable locations for establishing transshipment ports. Hai Phong City, as an illustrative example, holds a particularly vital position in the country, situated between two economic corridors. It boasts a pivotal seaport and offers all five modes of transportation. According to Resolution 45 of the Politburo regarding the construction and development of Hai Phong until 2030, with a vision to 2045, Hai Phong aims to become an industrial city closely linked with a modern, smart, and sustainable seaport. To further elaborate, in the city's general plan until 2040, with a vision to 2050, as approved by the Prime Minister in Decision 323/QĐ-TTg, the development direction for Hai Phong's seaport involves expanding South Do Son Port into a gateway port that combines international transshipment and serves national defense and security needs. According to the plan, the South Do Son port area will have the capacity to accommodate container ships with a capacity of up to 18,000 TEUs, general cargo ships with up to 200,000 tons, bulk/liquefied gas carriers up to 150,000 tons, and passenger ships up to 225,000 GT. Additionally, this port area will prioritize the construction of docks serving container transshipment in the region and a central gas-fired power plant port that aligns with the comprehensive energy planning and power development plan, facilitating the relocation of river ports along the Cấm River.

In the United States, the Port of Los Angeles (POLA), also known as the Los Angeles International Port, is a vast port complex covering an area of up to 7,500 hectares (3,000 hectares) along a 43-mile (69-kilometer) stretch of waterfront. The port is located in the San Pedro Bay in San Pedro, approximately 20 miles (32 kilometers) south of downtown Los Angeles. It is one of the largest seaports in the United States and plays a crucial role in facilitating international trade and commerce. The scale and infrastructure of the Port encompass approximately 7,500 acres (30 square kilometers) of land and water, featuring 27 cargo terminals, including container terminals, dry bulk terminals, liquid bulk terminals, and automotive processing facilities. Furthermore, the Port of Los Angeles is one of the leading container ports in North America, with a complex network of container terminals equipped with advanced technology and infrastructure for efficient container handling. The port comprises a total of 80 wharfs and container terminals, including the largest container wharf in the United States, APM Terminals Pier 400. POLA handles a significant volume of goods, particularly with countries in Asia. It serves as a gateway for cargo to and from Pacific Rim countries. In 2020, the port processed approximately 9.3 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of container cargo. The Port of Los Angeles generates significant economic activity and employment opportunities for the surrounding region. Moreover, it is committed to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. The port has implemented numerous programs and initiatives to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and promote clean technologies. These efforts include shore power for vessels, emissions-free equipment, and the Clean Truck Program to reduce emissions from trucks. Additionally, the port continually invests in infrastructure improvements and expansion projects to enhance efficiency and capacity. These projects include channel dredging to accommodate larger vessels, railroad infrastructure upgrades to improve cargo transportation, and the development of new terminals to meet future demands.

This official visit by Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính holds a significant meaning, conveying a profound message from the Communist Party, State, and Government of Vietnam to the United States and international friends about a peaceful, cooperative, and integrated Vietnam. Vietnam aims to actively and proactively participate in international processes, making a substantial contribution to Vietnam's relations with the United Nations and the United States in accordance with the foreign policy outlined at the 13th Party Congress.

Communication Department.