VUNG TAU, April 24, 2025 – The founding congress of the Ba Ria – Vung Tau Logistics and Seaport Association was ceremoniously held on the morning of April 24, 2025, at the Aurora Event Center (169 Thuy Van, Vung Tau City). This event marks a significant step forward in uniting the business community and fostering the strong development of the seaport and logistics industry—one of the province’s key economic pillars.
Background and Establishment Process
Recognizing the clear potential and strategic role of the logistics and seaport industry, especially with the advantage of the Cai Mep – Thi Vai deep-seaport cluster, the Steering Committee for the establishment of the Association was launched on December 2, 2024, at the Vietnam Logistics Forum 2024 in Ho Tram, witnessed by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. After a period of active advocacy and strong support from nearly 60 businesses and organizations (including those headquartered in Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai, and Binh Duong but operating in Ba Ria – Vung Tau), on February 25, 2025, the Department of Industry and Trade of Ba Ria – Vung Tau province officially issued Decision No. 27/QD-SCT, authorizing the establishment of the Ba Ria – Vung Tau Logistics and Seaport Association. This name reflects a strategic vision and the organic link between these two key sectors, differing from the initial proposed name of “Ba Ria – Vung Tau Logistics Association.”
Inaugural Congress Event
The Congress was honored by the presence of a large number of delegates, demonstrating strong interest and support from all levels of government, organizations, associations, and the business community:
Provincial and Local Leaders:
- Mr. Le Ngoc Khanh – Vice Chairman of Ba Ria – Vung Tau Provincial People’s Committee
Representatives from Provincial Departments and Agencies:
- Mr. Pham Quang Nhat – Director of the Department of Industry and Trade
- Mr. Le Dinh Son – Deputy Director of the Department of Construction (on behalf of the Director)
- Mr. Truong Tan Vu – Deputy Director of the Department of Finance
- Mr. Nguyen Nguyen Luan – Head of Economic Security Division, Provincial Public Security
Representatives from Specialized Management Agencies:
- Mr. Nguyen Truong Giang – Head of Customs Branch Area XV
- Mr. Nguyen The Khanh – Head of Cai Mep Port Border Gate Customs
- Mr. Vo Duy Nhan – Deputy Director of Vung Tau Maritime Administration
Representatives from Organizations and Associations:
- Ms. Pham Thi Ngoc Thuy – Director of the Office of the Private Economic Development Research Board (Board IV)
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lawyer Nguyen Thi Hoai Phuong – Rector of Ba Ria – Vung Tau University
- Mr. Pham Quoc Long – Chairman of the Vietnam Association of Ship Agents, Brokers and Maritime Services (VISABA)
- Mr. Tran Khanh Hoang – Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Seaports Association (VPA)
- Ms. Huynh Dinh Thai Linh – Chairwoman of the Binh Duong Provincial Logistics Association
- Dr. Mai Xuan Thieu – Chairman of the Vietnam Logistics Human Resources Development Association (VALOMA)
- Representative of the Vietnam Logistics Association (VLA)
Leaders of Representative Businesses:
- Mr. Simon Farhat – General Director of Gemalink
- Mr. Kim Jong Eup – General Director of TCIT
- Mr. Tran Kim Vinh Tho – Deputy General Director of Vung Tau Shipping & Transport Joint Stock Company
- Along with the participation of 55 official member businesses and representatives from central and local press agencies.
Goals and Association Leadership
The Congress discussed and approved the Statute and operational guidelines for the first term, focusing on key objectives:
- Serving as an effective bridge between businesses, management agencies, and the government.
- Promoting cooperation, sharing experiences, and developing innovative solutions.
- Protecting the legitimate rights and interests of members.
- Contributing to enhancing the competitiveness of the province’s logistics and seaport industry.
- Contributing to achieving the goal of making Ba Ria – Vung Tau a national maritime economic center, a regional Southeast Asian maritime service center, and a logistics hub for the Southeast region by 2030.
The Congress elected a 10-member Executive Committee. The first meeting of the Executive Committee then elected the Standing Committee and the Association’s Leadership for Term I:
Chairman: Mr. Cao Hong Phong – Deputy General Director of Cai Mep Gemadept – Terminal Link Joint Stock Company
Vice Chairmen:
- Mr. Nguyen Nhat Quang – Vice Chairman – Deputy General Director of Thanh Binh Phu My Joint Stock Company
- Mr. Le Dung – Deputy General Director of Cai Mep International Logistics Joint Stock Company
- Mr. Vo Thanh Phuong – Deputy General Director of Vina Logistics Joint Stock Company
- Mr. Bui Do Anh Duc – Deputy General Director of Cai Mep Logistics Joint Stock Company
General Secretary: Mr. Tran Duc Thuan – Business Director of Cai Mep Gemadept – Terminal Link Joint Stock Company
Speeches and Directives
In his directive speech at the Congress, Mr. Le Ngoc Khanh – Vice Chairman of the Ba Ria – Vung Tau Provincial People’s Committee – acknowledged and highly praised the efforts of the Steering Committee as well as the enthusiastic response from the business community. He emphasized Ba Ria – Vung Tau’s pioneering role in logistics development, based on its outstanding advantages. He expressed his expectation that the Association will effectively promote its role in gathering and uniting members, proactively proposing solutions and policies, and making practical contributions to the industry’s development, thereby enhancing the maritime economic position of the province and the country. Mr. Pham Quoc Long, Chairman of VISABA, also extended congratulations on behalf of other associations and expressed his desire to strengthen cooperation among the associations.
The establishment of the Ba Ria – Vung Tau Logistics and Seaport Association not only meets the aspirations of the business community but also aligns with the province’s development strategy. It promises to create new impetus and synergistic strength for the local logistics and seaport industry to develop professionally and sustainably, affirming its position as a leading maritime and logistics center in the region.
About Ba Ria – Vung Tau Logistics and Seaport Association
The Association is a social-professional, voluntary organization of businesses and organizations operating in the fields of logistics, seaports, and related industries within the province. The Association operates under its Statute approved by the Provincial Department of Industry and Trade, complies with Vietnamese law, possesses legal status, its own seal, separate bank account, and financial autonomy.
