Vietnam to repair int’l ships, subs at Cam Ranh: PM

Vietnam will open Cam Ranh Port in the central coastal province of Khanh Hoa for international commercial logistics services, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said Wednesday during a working visit to the province.

Besides being used as a military area under the administration of the Vietnam People’s Navy, the port will work as a technical logistics base for seagoing vessels from all around the world without discrimination, PM Dung stressed.

“Ships, including submarines, of all nations will be provided with logistics services such as repair and maintenance here. It is similar to what Singapore and Hong Kong have done,” the premier told Khanh Hoa authorities.

Vietnam wants its services to the world to be transparent as the country has recently tried offering repair to several ships belonging to the Seventh Fleet of the U.S., Dung said.

Accompanying the PM’s trip in Khanh Hoa, three-star general Ngo Xuan Lich, chairman of the General Politics Department of the Vietnam People’s Army, lauded local authorities for coordinating with the army effectively in economic development and security assurance.

He reminded Khanh Hoa authorities to join with the army to complete a regulation for ships to enter, dock, and leave Cam Ranh Bay.

Nha Trang military port

Regarding the proposal of Khanh Hoa authorities to use the Nha Trang military port, about 50 km to the north of Cam Ranh, for travel services, General Lich said the navy has agreed to place it under the management of the Naval Institute.

The Ministry of National Defense recommended that Khanh Hoa collaborate with the institute to develop the local tourism industry and turn it into one of the travel hotspots in Nha Trang, the provincial capital city.

Dang Thi Bich Lien, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, also warned Khanh Hoa authorities not to ruin the Nha Trang Bay with construction projects and thus violate the law on cultural heritage.
Lien referred to several multi-story constructions on the sea level of Nha Trang Bay that may block the view from the area.

Sports ministry officials have proposed that Khanh Hoa build more underground facilities to save the open space above ground for parks and public sites.

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