Da Nang steps up seaport and logistics cooperation with China’s Liaoning Province

The Da Nang delegation met with Vice Governor of the Liaoning Provincial People’s Government Bai Ying on October 21.

During the meeting, Standing Deputy Secretary Nguyen Khac Toan thanked Liaoning’s leaders for their warm and thoughtful reception. He also provided an overview of Da Nang’s socio-economic development, and its potential and development orientations as well.

Building on existing exchanges between the two localities, he expressed his desire to expand practical cooperation that aligns with each side’s strengths.

According to Standing Deputy Secretary Toan, Liaoning has strengths in manufacturing, mechanical engineering, equipment production and automation. Notably, the city of Dalian serves as a major port and logistics hub connecting the province’s industrial centers.

These strengths provided a foundation for the two sides to exchange experience and explore specific cooperation opportunities, he added.

Also at the meeting, Mr. Toan proposed five key areas of cooperation: port planning and development linked with port hinterlands, industrial parks, logistics centers and urban areas; mobilization of investment resources and the management and operation of port infrastructure; transport organization and maritime connectivity; development of green and smart ports and workforce training; and expanded cooperation in manufacturing and the marine economy.

He emphasized that Da Nang wanted to learn from Liaoning’s experience in phasing port investments in line with cargo demand, ensuring sufficient cargo volume during the initial years of operation and attracting shipping lines.

The city showed strong interest in studying the model of the China-Europe Freight Train Consolidation Center in Shenyang and connecting with Liaoning-based businesses in port operations, logistics, mechanical engineering, equipment manufacturing and supporting industries.

Both sides agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to promote cooperation in the marine economy, cultural exchanges, education and training.

The Da Nang leader took the opportunity to invite Liaoning’s leaders and representatives of relevant departments and agencies to visit Da Nang for working meetings to discuss and implement specific initiatives.

As part of the working trip, the Da Nang delegation visited the China-Europe Freight Train Consolidation Center in Shenyang.

The center operates a transport network of more than 50 cities across over 20 countries and has served more than 2,500 businesses. It uses data-sharing systems, online scheduling, automated container-position allocation and real-time yard monitoring.

On October 22, the Da Nang delegation had a meeting with Mr. Li Qiang, a Liaoning Provincial Standing Committee Member and Secretary of the Dalian municipal Party Committee.

At the meeting, Mr. Toan proposed strengthening professional exchanges on port management and operations, connecting businesses to cooperate in port services and logistics, and expanding collaboration in software applications and human resource training.

Regarding agricultural and food products, Da Nang suggested connecting with businesses experienced in cold-chain services.

As an initial step, businesses from both sides could select one cargo route for a pilot project using existing warehouses and transport facilities, assess its effectiveness and then consider new investment, Mr. Toan added.

Dalian’s leaders expressed strong support for Da Nang’s proposals and called for closer cooperation in the semiconductor industry, artificial intelligence and high-value-added manufacturing.

The Dalian side also proposed expanding economic, trade, logistics and port cooperation, establishing a direct air route between Dalian and Da Nang, and promoting cultural exchanges to strengthen friendship between the two localities.

Earlier that morning, on October 22, the Da Nang delegation had a working session with leaders of Liaoning Port Group in Dalian.

On behalf of the city’s delegation, Mr. Toan outlined Da Nang’s development orientations for Lien Chieu Port, which is planned to be linked with the city’s Free Trade Zone and a network of supporting logistics facilities.

He called on the group to share its experience in investing in container ports, developing cargo sources and establishing connections with shipping lines.

He informed that Da Nang showed keen interest in port yard organization, sea-rail transport connectivity and the application of green-port and smart-port technologies. The city also sought to connect with potential partners to explore cooperation in seaport services and logistics.

Standing Deputy Secretary of the Da Nang Party Committee Nguyen Khac Toan invited representatives of Liaoning Port Group to visit Lien Chieu Port, meet with investors and relevant businesses, and discuss potential cooperation opportunities.

During the working visit to Dalian, the delegation also surveyed the automobile terminal at Dayaowan Port and the Dalian Free Trade Zone.