SAIGON NEWPORT CORPORATION JOINED THE 2026 HO CHI MINH CITY FRIENDSHIP DIALOGUE, CONNECTING INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES FOR PORT AND LOGISTICS DEVELOPMENT
Sunday, 13/09/2026
The 3rd Ho Chi Minh City Friendship Dialogue Conference 2026 (FD 2026), hosted by the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee under the theme “Local diplomacy: Driving innovation and sustainable growth,” took place from September 10 to 12 in Vung Tau Ward, bringing together nearly 500 delegates from 36 localities and international delegations. Compared with the previous two editions, FD 2026 continued to expand in scale, content, and engagement formats, shifting its focus from promoting friendship relations toward connecting resources, experience, and cooperation opportunities for development. At this year’s event, Saigon Newport Corporation (SNP) continued to affirm proactive role as a leading port and logistics enterprise. Entrusted by Ho Chi Minh City to participate in connection activities and coordinate the organization of events at the Cai Mep port cluster, SNP contributed to strengthening exchanges and connections among international delegates while showcasing the City’s and Vietnam’s capabilities and development potential in port and logistics.
FD 2026: From Connecting Relations to Connecting Resources
The centerpiece of the Friendship Dialogue was the Mayors’ Conference, where leaders from domestic and international localities discussed the proactive role of local governments within the broader framework of national foreign policy, while sharing experiences in participating in and effectively leveraging international urban networks.
A key highlight of FD 2026 was the direct linkage between local foreign relations and development objectives, marking a shift from connecting relationships to connecting resources. In addition to the Mayors’ Conference, two thematic sessions on innovation and ports and logistics provided a platform for in-depth discussions on practical issues, ranging from research and development, technology transfer and commercialization to port management and operations, as well as the development of a green, smart and sustainable marine economy.
Speaking at the Mayors’ Conference, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Hoang Long highly appreciated the theme of FD 2026, noting that the program demonstrated Ho Chi Minh City’s pioneering, proactive and positive spirit, as well as its responsiveness to developments in the region and around the world.
Through dialogue activities, delegates had the opportunity to share and learn from a wide range of experiences, policies and practical models, while exploring avenues for cooperation capable of being translated into concrete outcomes.
Notably, FD was held for the first time in the former Ba Ria – Vung Tau area, now part of Ho Chi Minh City’s new development space. Bringing the program to an area centered on ports and the marine economy not only created a new highlight for FD 2026, but also enabled international delegates to directly experience and explore the City’s potential, advantages and new development orientations, particularly in ports, logistics, the marine economy, and urban development associated with marine spaces.
Building on the discussions at the event, delegates supported the study and promotion of establishing a city-level multilateral cooperation mechanism for ports and the marine economy. This is one of the notable outcomes demonstrating how FD 2026 is gradually evolving from a forum for exchange and networking into a platform for promoting substantive cooperation and mobilizing international resources for development.
Mr. Truong Tan Loc, SNP representative, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Logistics and Port Association and Chairman of the Members’ Council of Tan Cang – Cai Mep International Terminal Co., Ltd., moderating the thematic session “The Role of Local Governments in Strengthening Port Cooperation and Meeting New-Generation Sustainability Standards.”
The delegation attending the 2026 Ho Chi Minh City Friendship Dialogue visited and worked at Saigon Newport Corporation’s Cai Mep port cluster.
The centerpiece of the Friendship Dialogue was the Mayors’ Conference, where leaders from domestic and international localities discussed the proactive role of local governments within the broader framework of national foreign policy, while sharing experiences in participating in and effectively leveraging international urban networks.
A key highlight of FD 2026 was the direct linkage between local foreign relations and development objectives, marking a shift from connecting relationships to connecting resources. In addition to the Mayors’ Conference, two thematic sessions on innovation and ports and logistics provided a platform for in-depth discussions on practical issues, ranging from research and development, technology transfer and commercialization to port management and operations, as well as the development of a green, smart and sustainable marine economy.
Speaking at the Mayors’ Conference, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Hoang Long highly appreciated the theme of FD 2026, noting that the program demonstrated Ho Chi Minh City’s pioneering, proactive and positive spirit, as well as its responsiveness to developments in the region and around the world.
Through dialogue activities, delegates had the opportunity to share and learn from a wide range of experiences, policies and practical models, while exploring avenues for cooperation capable of being translated into concrete outcomes.
Notably, FD was held for the first time in the former Ba Ria – Vung Tau area, now part of Ho Chi Minh City’s new development space. Bringing the program to an area centered on ports and the marine economy not only created a new highlight for FD 2026, but also enabled international delegates to directly experience and explore the City’s potential, advantages and new development orientations, particularly in ports, logistics, the marine economy, and urban development associated with marine spaces.
Building on the discussions at the event, delegates supported the study and promotion of establishing a city-level multilateral cooperation mechanism for ports and the marine economy. This is one of the notable outcomes demonstrating how FD 2026 is gradually evolving from a forum for exchange and networking into a platform for promoting substantive cooperation and mobilizing international resources for development.
On the morning of September 11, 2026, the Mayors’ Conference, the centerpiece of the 3rd Ho Chi Minh City Friendship Dialogue 2026, took place in Vung Tau Ward.
Through substantive dialogue, networking and cooperation activities, the event aimed to mobilize high-quality resources, promote innovation, enhance competitiveness, and contribute to Ho Chi Minh City’s objectives of rapid and sustainable development, while expanding and promoting the establishment of long-term cooperation mechanisms between the City and international partners.
Ports and Logistics in Ho Chi Minh City’s New Development Space
Within the City’s new development space, ports and logistics are playing an increasingly important role in Ho Chi Minh City’s economic structure and development planning. Ports are not merely infrastructure serving import and export activities; they are also closely connected with logistics systems, interregional transport networks, industrial parks, trade and services, and the City’s new development areas.
In this context, the Cai Mep – Thi Vai port cluster is positioned as an integral part of Ho Chi Minh City’s logistics network and economic development space, requiring stronger multimodal connectivity, more efficient cargo flow management, and the development of a robust logistics ecosystem in the port hinterland. These were also key topics discussed during the session, alongside the need for green transformation and adaptation to new-generation sustainability standards. Within the framework of FD 2026, Saigon Newport Corporation (SNP) participated as a member of the Ho Chi Minh City Logistics and Port Association (HLA), represented by Mr. Truong Tan Loc, Vice Chairman of HLA and Chairman of the Members’ Council of Tan Cang – Cai Mep International Terminal Co., Ltd. (TCIT). Mr. Truong Tan Loc served as the moderator of the thematic session “The Role of Local Governments in Strengthening Port Cooperation and Meeting New-Generation Sustainability Standards,” which aimed to facilitate the sharing of perspectives and experience, while exploring cooperative solutions to develop the port and logistics sectors in close alignment with Ho Chi Minh City’s urban development space and sustainable supply chains.
Within the City’s new development space, ports and logistics are playing an increasingly important role in Ho Chi Minh City’s economic structure and development planning. Ports are not merely infrastructure serving import and export activities; they are also closely connected with logistics systems, interregional transport networks, industrial parks, trade and services, and the City’s new development areas.
In this context, the Cai Mep – Thi Vai port cluster is positioned as an integral part of Ho Chi Minh City’s logistics network and economic development space, requiring stronger multimodal connectivity, more efficient cargo flow management, and the development of a robust logistics ecosystem in the port hinterland. These were also key topics discussed during the session, alongside the need for green transformation and adaptation to new-generation sustainability standards. Within the framework of FD 2026, Saigon Newport Corporation (SNP) participated as a member of the Ho Chi Minh City Logistics and Port Association (HLA), represented by Mr. Truong Tan Loc, Vice Chairman of HLA and Chairman of the Members’ Council of Tan Cang – Cai Mep International Terminal Co., Ltd. (TCIT). Mr. Truong Tan Loc served as the moderator of the thematic session “The Role of Local Governments in Strengthening Port Cooperation and Meeting New-Generation Sustainability Standards,” which aimed to facilitate the sharing of perspectives and experience, while exploring cooperative solutions to develop the port and logistics sectors in close alignment with Ho Chi Minh City’s urban development space and sustainable supply chains.
Mr. Truong Tan Loc, SNP representative, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Logistics and Port Association and Chairman of the Members’ Council of Tan Cang – Cai Mep International Terminal Co., Ltd., moderating the thematic session “The Role of Local Governments in Strengthening Port Cooperation and Meeting New-Generation Sustainability Standards.”The session also featured representatives from Vietnam SuperPort, Port of Colombo (Sri Lanka), as well as representatives of several localities and businesses. Through the discussions, the participating parties jointly identified emerging requirements for port and logistics development, ranging from multimodal connectivity and efficient cargo flow management to green transformation and resource mobilization for the transition. Notably, based on the discussions during the thematic session, Ho Chi Minh City introduced an initiative to study and move toward establishing a multilateral cooperation mechanism among port cities within the network of friendship cities. In the immediate term, relevant specialized agencies and partners will continue to study and propose specific content, models and implementation roadmaps. This is regarded as an important step in transforming the connections established through FD 2026—from experience sharing into the formation of substantive, long-term cooperation mechanisms among port cities.
Saigon Newport Corporation – Accompanying the City Through Every Stage of Development
The history of Ho Chi Minh City’s port system also demonstrates how the port landscape has continuously expanded and adapted to meet the development of the economy and trade. From traditional port areas such as Khanh Hoi, Nha Rong and Tan Thuan, the port system gradually developed new hubs. As containerization expanded and import-export demand grew rapidly, the Cat Lai – Phu Huu port area was developed and became an important container hub in southern Vietnam, connected to an extensive hinterland, the industrial park network of the Southeast region and the Mekong Delta, as well as logistics centers throughout the region.
Together with the development of the Hiep Phuoc port area and the Cai Mep – Thi Vai port cluster, Ho Chi Minh City’s port network has increasingly evolved toward a multi-hub structure, with each area serving an appropriate function and creating a complementary system that expands the logistics space of the entire region. Within this system, Saigon Newport Corporation maintains a presence at strategically important locations, from Tan Cang – Cat Lai—a major operational hub serving a large cargo base and extensive hinterland; to Tan Cang Hiep Phuoc, which expands logistics connectivity toward the south; and Tan Cang – Cai Mep International Terminal (TCIT) and Tan Cang - Cai Mep Thi Vai Terminal (TCTT)—gateways connecting to the international maritime network.
Through these operations, Saigon Newport Corporation not only accompanies Ho Chi Minh City in expanding port capacity but also contributes to shaping a multi-hub port and logistics network, supporting the expansion of the City’s economic space and creating a foundation for new development poles.
Saigon Newport Corporation – Accompanying the City Through Every Stage of Development
The history of Ho Chi Minh City’s port system also demonstrates how the port landscape has continuously expanded and adapted to meet the development of the economy and trade. From traditional port areas such as Khanh Hoi, Nha Rong and Tan Thuan, the port system gradually developed new hubs. As containerization expanded and import-export demand grew rapidly, the Cat Lai – Phu Huu port area was developed and became an important container hub in southern Vietnam, connected to an extensive hinterland, the industrial park network of the Southeast region and the Mekong Delta, as well as logistics centers throughout the region.
Together with the development of the Hiep Phuoc port area and the Cai Mep – Thi Vai port cluster, Ho Chi Minh City’s port network has increasingly evolved toward a multi-hub structure, with each area serving an appropriate function and creating a complementary system that expands the logistics space of the entire region. Within this system, Saigon Newport Corporation maintains a presence at strategically important locations, from Tan Cang – Cat Lai—a major operational hub serving a large cargo base and extensive hinterland; to Tan Cang Hiep Phuoc, which expands logistics connectivity toward the south; and Tan Cang – Cai Mep International Terminal (TCIT) and Tan Cang - Cai Mep Thi Vai Terminal (TCTT)—gateways connecting to the international maritime network.
Through these operations, Saigon Newport Corporation not only accompanies Ho Chi Minh City in expanding port capacity but also contributes to shaping a multi-hub port and logistics network, supporting the expansion of the City’s economic space and creating a foundation for new development poles.
The delegation attending the 2026 Ho Chi Minh City Friendship Dialogue visited and worked at Saigon Newport Corporation’s Cai Mep port cluster.Building on long-standing partnership with the City throughout various stages of development, SNP is always ready to participate in major Ho Chi Minh City activities, ranging from policy consultation, investment, trade, import-export, ports and logistics to foreign relations and international connectivity. As a leading enterprise in the port and logistics sector, SNP not only contributes to the development of the City but also helps promote the image of Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam’s port and logistics industry to international friends and partners, in line with its guiding motto: “Global reach, global connection”.