Dong Nai taps port potential to boost trade and customs capacity

(ĐN)- Dong Nai is advancing strategies to capitalize on its port system by enhancing customs services and infrastructure to meet growing import-export demand. A core priority is the expansion of border-gate customs operations to better manage goods subject to mandatory clearance procedures.

Import activities at petroleum port in Nhon Trach.

The province currently has 21 ports operating along the Dong Nai, Nha Be – Long Tau, and Thi Vai rivers, most of which are active in import-export logistics. According to the Dong Nai Customs Department, 10 clearance points are in place under seven sub-departments, structured under a border-gate customs model. This supports businesses in Dong Nai and neighboring Binh Thuan, while easing pressure on ports in southern and central Vietnam.

Despite improvements, enterprises still face higher transport and logistics costs due to the lack of border-gate customs facilities. This limits the full use of Dong Nai’s river and dry ports (ICDs).

Dong Nai Port, which began operating the province’s first customs sub-department for border-gate clearance in 2022, has reported strong business results. In 2024, the port contributed over VND 1.3 trillion to the state budget, up 10% year-on-year. The gains are attributed to expanded warehouse facilities under Phase 2B and the launch of an ePORT system that streamlined cargo handling and digital payment processes.

At the Nhon Trach customs office, which oversees three general ports and nine specialized terminals, customs clearance activity has risen steadily. In 2024, the office processed around 740 ship arrivals and departures—110% compared to 2023. Efforts to modernize operations are ongoing, with improved supervision of containerized cargo and enhanced anti-smuggling controls.

The upgraded customs status has enabled Dong Nai Port to handle new product categories such as alcohol, tobacco, and in-transit goods, paving the way for greater trade with Cambodia and other regional markets.

According to Le Van Thung, director of Dong Nai Customs Department, the province is promoting seaport customs to support rising demand from businesses while strengthening revenue from maritime trade. Upcoming ports like Phuoc An are expected to play a key role in expanding Dong Nai’s import-export capabilities, particularly for goods requiring official clearance at entry points.

By developing customs infrastructure in parallel with port expansion, Dong Nai aims to lower logistics costs, attract more exporters, and assert its role as a key logistics hub in southern Vietnam.
Reported by N.Lien