A discussion took place in Da Nang on Wednesday about effective ways to bolster trade development through cross-border transport activities along the East-West Economic Corridor (EWEC).   The event was co-organised by the municipal People’s Committee (PC) and the Viet Nam Logistics Businesses’ Association.

Municipal PC Vice Chairman Ho Ky Minh remarked, “Da Nang is the Pacific gateway for the EWEC.  In particular, Da Nang Port is the largest container port in the central region, ensuring smooth cargo transportation between countries along the EWEC route.  Also, the port will be an important gateway for the logistics service supply chains to the ASEAN and Asia-Pacific regions.  The city leader, therefore, stressed the need for the EWEC member countries to find even more effective solutions to promote cross-border trading activities, as well as to uphold a cooperative spirit amongst countries in the sub-Mekong region for their sustainable development.

A spokesperson for the Myanmar Transport Association pointed out several shortcomings in his national transport activities in addition to its development potential for logistics services.  Included were unimproved transport infrastructure, low-quality transport activities, limited financial resources, and poor logistics management capacity.

Meanwhile, a representative from the Thai Transport Association said that there were many cross-border logistics service providers, but their procedures were unclear and the legal mechanism was not uniform.  He highlighted some difficulties and challenges in cross-border road transport activities.