Ho Chi Minh City's $10 Billion Maritime Hub to Create 20,000 Jobs, Transform Vietnam's Port Landscape
Ho Chi Minh City, also known as the Chi, is set to receive a significant boost with a proposed $10 billion international maritime hub, a result of a public-private partnership (PPP). The project, spanning seaport, supporting, and soft infrastructure, is expected to generate over 20,000 jobs and transform Vietnam's maritime landscape. The proposed maritime hub, with a potential capacity of 50 million TEUs, is slated for the Cai Mep-Can Gio area. The investment breakdown includes $5 billion for seaport infrastructure, $4 billion for supporting infrastructure, and $1 billion for soft infrastructure. Pham Quoc Long, deputy CEO of Gemadept, has been instrumental in proposing the Port Community System and developing Ho Chi Minh City into a globally competitive maritime hub. To enhance waterway transport, upgrades to the Ha Nam Canal and increased bridge clearances are suggested. Additionally, Ho Chi Minh City has proposed establishing four free trade zones tied to ports and logistics. The city is also building an international financial center in both Ho Chi Minh City and Danang. Vietnam's hosting of the FIATA World Congress in 2025 underscores the importance of a national logistics data system, which the maritime hub should complement. The $10 billion maritime hub, once operational, promises to create over 20,000 direct and indirect jobs. It aligns with Vietnam's broader plans to reduce logistics costs, currently at 16-17% of GDP, and develop inland waterway transport. The project, led by private companies through a PPP, is poised to strengthen Vietnam's position in the global maritime industry.
