Hai Phong Port in the Haiphong City of Vietnam has been asked to reduce the rates for the (seaport) facilities offered, like infrastructure and public utilities.
All the four key trade associations of the country have expressed concern over the issue faced by the exporters.
The names of the associations include Vietnam Textile and Garment Association, Vietnam Automobile Transport Association, Vietnam Logistics Association and Vietnam Seaports Association.
The trade bodies have also demanded a reduction the per tonne charges for bulk cargo from the current VND 20,000 to VND 16,000.
The rate cut suggestions have been put forth at a recent meeting with the Prime Minister Working Group.
At the meeting, Do Hoang Anh Tuan, Deputy Minister of Finance further asked the Hai Phong Port authority to also slash the taxes on import and export of goods by 25-50 per to back the local companies of the country.
On the proposals made, Le Van Thanh, Secretary of Hai Phong Municipal Party Committee and Chairman of Municipal People’s Council reportedly said, “The fee for import and export goods stored in a 20 feet shipping container (VND 250,000 per container) is already 50 per cent less compared to the rates of Lao Cai and Lang Son seaports, and 62.5 per cent less than that of the charges for the 40 feet shipping container (VND 500,000 per container).”
The Hai Phong Port plays a significant role in the apparel industry of the country. Various garment exporters use the port services to ship their products to the overseas markets.
If considered, the rate cut would greatly benefit the homegrown exporters and further strengthen the industry.
The Port authority is expected to consider the rate cut on the facilities at the end of 2017.
