Construction of Vietnam's Thi Vai-Cai Mep International Port started this week in Tan Thanh district in the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau, according to local news agency Nhan Dan.
Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai, the Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam, leaders of the Ministry of Transport and Ba Ria-Vung Tau province and contractors were present at the ground breaking ceremony.
Funding for the project, totalling in VND 11.5 trillion (US$ 694 million) is being provided by the Japan Bank for International Co-operation and Vietnam's State budget.
The project consists of two wharfs for container vessels of up to 80000 DWT and handling capacity of 700000 TEUs a year. There will also be two other new wharfs, which can accommodate 50000 DWT vessels with a handling capacity of 1.6 to 2 million tonnes of cargo a year.
The project will also include dredging work, buoys and transport signs for a 37.2 km canal, the supply and installation of necessary equipment at the port, and construction of a 8.3 km-long road linking the port with National Highway 51.
Construction is expected to finish in 2012.
Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai, the Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam, leaders of the Ministry of Transport and Ba Ria-Vung Tau province and contractors were present at the ground breaking ceremony.
Funding for the project, totalling in VND 11.5 trillion (US$ 694 million) is being provided by the Japan Bank for International Co-operation and Vietnam's State budget.
The project consists of two wharfs for container vessels of up to 80000 DWT and handling capacity of 700000 TEUs a year. There will also be two other new wharfs, which can accommodate 50000 DWT vessels with a handling capacity of 1.6 to 2 million tonnes of cargo a year.
The project will also include dredging work, buoys and transport signs for a 37.2 km canal, the supply and installation of necessary equipment at the port, and construction of a 8.3 km-long road linking the port with National Highway 51.
Construction is expected to finish in 2012.