HÀ NỘI — The Vietnam National Shipping Lines (Vinalines) and the Vietnam National Coal – Mineral Industries Holding Corporation (Vinacomin) on Thursday signed a strategic co-operation agreement.

Under the agreement, Vinalines will provide services of container shipping, barges and bulk carriers as requested by Vinacomin to transport goods to local and international destinations.

The group will also supply logistics services, such as warehouse and customs clearance, for Vinacomin’s shipments.

"The agreement signed with Vinacomin is expected to help Vinalines gradually increase its market share in domestic and international maritime transport," Nguyễn Cảnh Tĩnh, acting general director of Vinalines, said.

The agreement would start a new chapter for co-operation between the two corporations, Tĩnh added, saying that Vinalines has pledged to become a trustworthy partner and contribute to the success of Vinacomin.

Vinacomin general director Đặng Thanh Hải said each year, the corporation needs to transport 35 million tonnes of goods on the waterway and seaway. The figure is forecast to increase to 40 million tonnes by 2020, thus the partnership with Việt Nam’s largest maritime shipping group would bring more benefits to Vinacomin.

Deputy Minister of Transport Nguyễn Hồng Trường said the agreement would create favourable conditions for the two sides to closely monitor the progress of goods transportation and control costs.

The deputy minister said he hoped Vinalines would find ways to avoid losses and waste during operation, which would help reduce transport costs for customers. — VNS