Can Tho Port JSC Delivering Productive and Flexible Solutions

“In recent years, Can Tho Port Joint Stock Company has stepped up the introduction of many solutions like consolidating the staff, reshuffling workflows, seeking new customers, and improving service quality to expand effective business operations and elevate the role of Can Tho Port in the development of the Mekong Delta,” said Mr. Nguyen Van Phuong, General Director of Can Tho Port Joint Stock Company. Duc Binh reports.

Would you introduce notable business results in 2019? What solutions have you taken to reduce the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic?

In 2019, we obtained outstanding achievements. The cargo throughput reached 2,011,706 tons, up 18.77% over 2018. Revenue climbed 26.32% to VND125 billion and the net profit set a multi-year high of VND3.9 billion. We have linked with many domestic and foreign shipping lines to develop logistics service chains, notably a straw container chain from Soc Trang Port to the central region with a monthly shipment of 100 TEUs. We also invested in expanding a general warehouse of 3,000 square meters to bring our total warehouse area to 35,000 square meters, the highest in the region.

In 2020, due to the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, trading activity shrank and transportation plummeted sharply. Cargo throughput decreased by 15.56% from the same period in 2019 (to 926,800 tons) but our revenue was still as high as VND57,315 billion. This outcome came from our solutions to increase customer support by reducing stevedoring service prices, providing chain services, and value added services at warehouses to reduce costs; coordinating with shipping lines to develop import and export logistics service chains through the port. Especially in June 2020, we inaugurated a 40-ton 28m-range crane capable of serving container ships of 600-1,000 TEUs at Cai Cui Terminal. This was an important premise for us to develop shipping lines/container barge routes to the Mekong Delta.

What are specific solutions you have taken to promote your role for Mekong Delta development?

We have adopted many solutions to increase the value to our shareholders. Specifically, the port leadership regularly gives its opinions to central and local agencies on appropriate policies for infrastructure development, especially sea and inland waterway infrastructure and service charge policies at seaports. We have also cooperated with shipping lines and forwarders to develop services through subordinated ports, especially container cargo handling; and increased investment funds for post-port infrastructure and equipment installation to upgrade loading and unloading capacity to better serve customers.

Moreover, we have stepped up restructuring the operating model; applied technologies to port operations and management; focused on environmental protection at ports; and improved working conditions.

Digitization is affecting all industries globally including the logistics industry. At Can Tho Port, how has digitization been applied?

Digitization and digitized management are fundamental and urgent requirements of each country, industry and locality. Industry, agriculture, finance and especially logistics are taking the lead in digitalization application, big data management, internet of things (IoT), automation, artificial intelligence, and robotic application to operating processes.

In the past three years, Can Tho Port has applied the port management and operation software. Port operations are essentially digitized, from input (production orders) to outputs (e-invoices). The software application has accelerated the confirmation of port services and receipt of service invoices via email. Customers do not need to go to the port to check in or receive invoices for services. All information related to port operations is recorded, updated on the port management and operation software and is connected with competent authorities like customs and taxation.

In the coming time, Can Tho Port will continue to operate container cargo management software to meet information exchange requirements between shipping lines and international logistics firms with the port to develop container depots, strengthen the foundation for attracting more ship lines and logistics service chain for imports and exports through the port.

How have you prepared to capture opportunities as Vietnam integrates more deeply with the EU and ASEAN?

Logistics is the first industry to benefit from international integration because goods are easily circulated. Developing logistics chains will be easier. As an integrated seaport in the Mekong Delta region, Can Tho Port has applied solutions for strong integration. Specifically, we have invested in cranes, established container depots, and attracted shipping lines to open container transport routes. We also signed an MOU with Phnom Penh Autonomous Port to develop a route for container barges on the Mekong River from Phnom Penh to Cai Cui Port for transshipment to ocean shipping mode.

We are calling on international logistics companies to cooperate in the investment and operation of large-scale modern warehouse and yard infrastructure systems to lay the groundwork for major logistics businesses to invest more in a 241.4-ha regional logistics center in Can Tho City right behind Cai Cui Port. Can Tho Port is one of founding members of the Vietnam Ports Association (VPA), regularly coordinates with VPA members to organize exchange events with members of the ASEAN Ports Association (APA).

How do you assess the support of Can Tho City?

To provide favorable conditions for companies to invest in business development, Can Tho City should further support them by asking the central authorities for upgrading navigational channels into seaports in the region; proposing mechanisms and policies to attract international logistics firms to invest in regional logistics centers in Can Tho City; and creating more favorable conditions for companies to import and export goods through seaports in the region.

Source: Vietnam Business Forum