The inauguration of Cai Mep-Thi Vai international port in the coastal southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau was held by the Ministry of Transport on January 28.

Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai and representatives of the Japanese embassy an the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), along with leaders from Vietnam ’s ministries and sectors, attended the event.

Addressing the ceremony, Hai appreciated the assistance of the Japanese Government and the project’s investors, noting that the project falls on the 40 th anniversary of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic ties, demonstrating the time-honoured cooperation between the two countries.

The construction of the port, funded with 12.9 trillion VND (620 billion USD) by JICA and the Vietnamese government, was started in October 2008.It is expected to ease the strain on other ports in Ho Chi Minh City and improve trade links among southeastern provinces.-VNA