The groundbreaking ceremony on Monday. — Photo baogiaothong.vn

QUẢNG TRỊ — The Mỹ Thủy deep-water port project in Quảng Trị Southeast Economic Zone commenced construction on Monday after a four-year delay.

Approved by the Prime Minister on January 4, 2019 with total investment of VNĐ14.2 trillion (US$580 million), this project holds strategic importance for Quảng Trị Province, serving not only the local industrial parks but also facilitating cargo flow along the East-West Economic Corridor (EWEC) which links Việt Nam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and Myanmar.

The port covers 685 hectares encompassing 10 piers which will be built in three phases until 2036. The first four wharves are scheduled to be operational by 2025 and capable of accommodating up to 100,000 tonne-capacity vessels by 2025.

The project's investor Mỹ Thủy International Port Joint Venture Company pledged to commence construction without delay, ensuring the commitment of putting the first wharves into operation by the end of 2025.

Võ Văn Hưng, Chairman of Quảng Trị Provincial People's Committee, emphasised the importance of prompt action by the investor and reaffirmed the province’s full cooperation with the investor throughout the project’s implementation.

Initially launched on February 27, 2020, the construction faced delays due to challenges in capital contribution by foreign partners and land clearance issues. — VNS