Transport Minister Pushes for Development of Inland Waterways

The Minister of Transport, Dinh La Thang, said he would ask the Government for policies to attract investment to inland waterway facilities.

Thang told a conference on boosting water transport throughout the Hong (Red) River Delta that it was necessary for agencies and localities to recognise the role of inland waterways in helping create a balance among different modes of transport.

He said that river haulage generally cost less than road or rail transport and could carry super-long and super-heavy loads.

A representative from the Waterway Transport Company (VIVASO) said that little money had been spent on river transport or adjusting and dredging rivers and canals.

Some routes faded in the dry season because of low river levels. In some cases, the space between the river and bridges was too low for boats to pass. He concluded that investments in waterways development could bring great economic benefits.

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Source: vpa.org.vn, August 15, 2014