The number of ICDs which had been put into T consideration accounted for just 10 per cent of the plan and they altogether handled just around 10 per cent of the total cargo volume.

Vietnam would need VND15.9 18.7 trillion (US$676 -796 million) to develop the system of inland container depots (ICDs) by 2030, according to the Ministry of Transport.

The ministry has recently submitted the draft plan on IDC system development in the 2021-30 period to the Prime Minister for consideration.

Under the draft plan, priority would be given to developing ICDs which were located on the corridors to the major seaports and border gates, including Hai Phong Port, in the North and HCM City and Cai Mep -Thi Vai in the South.

According to the Vietnam Maritime Administration, the operation of ICDs lacked efficiency while the linkage between ICDs and logistics centers had not been established in some localities.

To date, there were 10 ICDs in operation, nine of which were in the north and one in the south, together with six other inland ports which were operated in the locations which were designated to build ICDs but had not been converted into ICDs.

The number of ICDs which had been put into consideration accounted for just 10 per cent of the plan and they altogether handled just around 10 per cent of the total cargo volume.

Currently, there are 25 ICDs under construction or about to be built and another 26 ICDs not yet implemented because many ICDs are not attractive to investors, especially in the Central region.

The Vietnam Maritime Administration said that with the advantage of inland waterway traffic, ICDs in Ho Chi Minh City have provided good support for seaports in transshipment of import and export goods, contributing to reducing congestion at ports. seaport and urban traffic in the South.

However, the connectivity of Northern ICDs with seaports is still weak. The North also has a smaller market share of container transport, only about 30% compared to the South, but most of the ICDS operating in the North.

Statistics show that the total throughput of goods through ICDS is estimated at 4.2 million TEUs per year. Of which, the Northern ICDs handled 0.45 million TEU and the South 3.65 million TEU.

The plan is expected to give a boost to the development of ICDs, according to the ministry.

The draft plan sets a target that by 2025, the ICD system will be able to handle 20-30% of import and export container transportation needs with a total capacity of 6-8.7 million TEUs/year by 2025 and 25- 35%. to 2030.

The ministry estimates that Vietnam will need VND 15.9 18.7 trillion (US$676-796 million) to develop an inland container terminal (ICD) system by 2030.

The ministry said it would call for private investment in ICDs and create favorable conditions for businesses to invest in the construction and operation of inland waterway ports.

The ministry will consider a public-private partnership (PPP) model for large-scale inland waterway ports.

Source: Aloha International Logistics Company.