HCMC – People are required to show a negative Covid PCR or rapid antigen test certificate conducted within 72 hours before they enter the Cat Lai and Hiep Phuoc ports in HCMC and the warehouse zone there from August 27, according to the Saigon New Port Corporation, which operates the ports.
The Saigon New Port Corporation has sent the requirement to shipping lines and shipping line agents as part of the port operator’s efforts to tighten Covid infection prevention and control and ensure smooth operations at the ports.
Commenting on this requirement, Nguyen Chanh Phuong, vice chairman of the Handicraft and Wood Industry Association of HCMC (HAWA), said that the requirement is appropriate amid the current complicated development of the pandemic in HCMC, as compliance with the requirement would help ensure safety at the ports.
The HAWA representative added that if the ports are exposed to risks of Covid transmission, this would affect import-export activities and result in a shortfall of stevedores, and the huge container backlogs facing the Cat Lai port one month ago could recur.
The two ports have continued to receive vessels that registered to dock at the ports periodically as usual, even though the ports are facing a number of obstacles.
According to the operator of the ports, forwarding activities remain in operation at the Cat Lai port at present. Besides, on the upcoming National Day on September 2, the Saigon New Port Corporation will continue to receive vessels and offer services such as cargo handling.
