Japanese Ambassador Mitsuo Sakaba presented Vietnamese Minister of Finance Vu Van Ninh with the commitment at a signing ceremony in Hanoi on September 21, stressing the importance of the project in tightening security and combating terrorism at one of Vietnam’s largest seaports.

 “The number of containers docking at Hai Phong Port increased by 70 percent between 2006 and 2008,” said Sakaba. “This project will improve conditions for customs clearance and provide better control of the safety and security of goods being imported or exported through Hai Phong seaport, as well as modernise customs procedures.” 

Under the framework of the project, large-scale X-ray inspection equipment will be procured and installed and custom staff trained in its operation. The project is expected to be implemented over 18 months and completed in March 2011. 

By funding customs projects at HCM City’s Cat Lai Port, the Japanese Government is facilitating trade and helping hasten the reform of customs procedures in Vietnam, Ninh said.

New equipment and more customs staff will reduce inspection and clearance time per container from between 1-2 hours to just 15-20 minutes, he added.