Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính took a field trip to the area to build Cần Giờ international container transshipment port in HCM City’s Cần Giờ District on July 18. — VNA/VNS Photo Dương Giang

HCM CITY — Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has suggested that HCM City should turn its outlying Cần Giờ District into an urban area covered by mangrove forests and biosphere reserves.

After visiting areas in the district where it is planned to build an international container transshipment port and sea encroachment projects last week, Chính met with officials from ministries and other agencies and HCM City’s leaders.

According to plans approved for Cần Giờ District, which is 50km from the city centre, the sea encroachment project must address issues relating to traffic congestion and housing with new mindsets and visions, Chính said.

The Cần Giờ international container transshipment port matches the goal of turning Việt Nam into a maritime and logistics hub, he said.

He also asked relevant ministries and agencies to step up the study process, and build the project in line with the national master plan on developing the domestic seaport network, and socio-economic development of the southeastern region and the nation, while preparing personnel for the operation of the port.

The Central Government will accompany HCM City and the region in quick and sustainable development, he added.

Under a resolution adopted by the municipal Party Committee, Cần Giờ District is expected to become a resort and high-quality eco-tourism city by 2030.

Meanwhile, the Cần Giờ sea encroachment project will cover 2,870 hectares in the district’s Long Hòa commune and Cần Thạnh town, with a total investment capital of more than VNĐ217 trillion (US$9.1 billion).

The 571ha port is set to be located on the remote island of Phú Lợi, and accommodate ships of up to 250,000 tonnes (24,188 TEUs).

The project worth $5 billion is divided into seven phases, with the first expected to be put into service in 2027.

Once operational, the port is expected to contribute VNĐ34-40 trillion ($1,430-1,685) to the State budget, and create about 6,000-8,000 jobs. — VNS