BL reported that Vietnam's first modern container terminal, Saigon Premier Container Terminal, costing USD 360 million, was commissioned recently.

The vessel Asta Rickmers, belonging to the French shipping line CMA CGM, was the first vessel to call at the terminal.

SPCT, with a capacity to handle 1.5 million TEUs annually, is a JV between Dubai Ports World and Vietnam's Tan Thuan Industrial Promotion Company.

In another recent move, Vietnam's aviation authorities granted Trai Thien Air Cargo the licence to provide domestic air cargo services. Expected to begin operations early next year, the service will be the country's first dedicated cargo airline. A Boeing 737-300 is being converted into a freighter for the purpose, it is learnt.

(Sourced from www.thehindubusinessline.com)