Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính inspecting Lạch Huyện Container Port on Sunday. VNA/VNS Photo

HẢI PHÒNG — Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính asked Lạch Huyện Container Port in Hải Phòng City to apply digital technology in management, modernise administrative models and create an unpolluted environment.

The Government leader inspected the port during his working visit to the northern port city on Sunday and worked with investors.

Lạch Huyện International Container Port is the largest modern deep-water port in the northern region. It is able to receive ships weighing up to 160,000 tonnes capable of travelling to the American and European continents.

Despite the pandemic, in 2021, container output through the port increased by 3.5 per cent compared to the previous year.

Confirming that sea transportation is profitable and is the largest form of transport, PM Chính said he supported investment and expansion in a number of berths at the port.

In the context of Việt Nam's economic growth, deeper international integration and participation in 17 free trade agreements, the demand for freight transport is increasing, he said.

He said the use of large ships was also a new trend, so it is necessary to design ports in accordance with this development trend.

In order to promote the potential of Việt Nam’s sea transport, he suggested building a smart port managed by digital technology and a modern administrative model, promoting automation to build a green, clean and pollution-free port.

In a short term, the port should focus on investing in the road connecting wharf No 2 and wharf No 6 to meet the traffic demand of the port and Tân Vũ-Lạch Huyện 2 Bridge.

The PM also requested the Ministry of Transport and relevant agencies to upgrade and build transport infrastructure connecting seaports to create the most favourable conditions and increase the volume of goods through ports, thereby, improving national competitiveness in seaport services.

During a working session with local authorities of Hải Phòng, PM Chính asked the city to continue to realise the dual goals of socio-economic recovery and pandemic prevention and control.

According to Nguyễn Văn Tùng, chairman of the city People’s Committee, the city’s Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) increased by 12.38 per cent in 2021 compared to the previous year.

The city has attracted more than US$3.1 billion of foreign direct investment this year, which doubled last year's figure. Total export turnover reached over $25 billion, an increase of over 23 per cent compared to 2020, exceeding 12 per cent of the yearly plan.

Local authorities proposed to the PM the construction of a coastal highway connecting Thanh Hóa, Ninh Bình, Nam Định provinces with Hải Phòng – Hà Nội Highway and the building of T2 Terminal in the first phase and a cargo terminal at Cát Bi International Airport. — VNS