The port in the city center is going to relocate to outlying areas this year, leaving room for passenger quays and commercial and tourism facilities.

It is seeking local and foreign partners to form joint ventures to develop and operate new ports like Hiep Phuoc in HCMC and Cai Mep-Thi Vai in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, said general director Le Cong Minh.

He said Saigon Port would upgrade Tan Thuan and Tan Thuan 2 ports in District 7, looking to obtain total cargo throughput of more than 15 million tons by 2010.

Saigon Port handled over 11.5 million tons of goods last year, with total revenue of VND499 billion and a profit of VND22.4 billion, up 4% and 3% on 2003 respectively.