This is a significant event for the development of the Mekong Delta in general and the maritime sector in particular, marking an important step in seeking ways for the southwestern region’s import-export goods, PM Dung said.

It will also help improve the living conditions of people living in 13 provinces and cities in the region, he added.

The volume of the Mekong Delta’s import-export goods is now estimated at around 15 million tonnes per year. However, the region’s river and seaport system can only handle 20-30 percent of the volume. The two largest seaports in the region, namely Can Tho and Cai Cui, are only capable of receiving 3,000-5,000 tonne vessels.

Once completed in the next 36 months, the 40-km passage, which runs through the areas of Duyen Hai and Tra Cu districts of Tra Vinh province, will create favourable conditions for ships of 10,000-20,000 tonnes to come and dock at ports on the Hau River.

At a meeting with Tra Vinh leaders earlier, the PM praised the provincial authorities and people’s efforts in boosting socio-economic development, especially maintaining an annual GDP growth of over 10 percent.

He also asked the provincial leaders to ensure the effective implementation of policies on great national unity, ethnic minorities and religion, creating favourable conditions for the Khmer people to practise religious activities and actively participate in patriotic movements.