Vietnam will hold the 6th Asean Ports and Shipping 2008 Exhibition and Conference in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) between June 5 and 6 next year.

This comes as interest in the nation among the global container shipping and logistics industries has been heightened after it joined the World Trade Organisation this year and the country's laws have been revised to encourage foreign investment.

Moves are also afoot to build additional deep-water ports to increase Vietnam's port capacity by 20 per cent.

Ten ports have been selected for expansion, they are: Cai Lan, Hai Phong, Cua Lo, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Qui Nhon, Sai Gon, Can Tho, Thi Vai and Dung Quat. Other key development projects include the Lach Huyen Seaport in the city of Hai Phong, the Lien Chieu Seaport in the central city of Da Nang, and the Cai Mep-Thi Vai Seaport in the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau.

Organisers of the 6th Asean Ports and Shipping 2008 Vietnam Exhibition and Conference say the event will provide companies with a platform to showcase products and services to raise brand awareness, network and establish business contacts.

A technical site visit to Saigon Port and other container terminal operations have been arranged for the day before the conference is due to begin; and a gala dinner will be held on the evening of June 5. So far 85 international companies and sponsors have agreed to take part in the two-day exhibition alongside seminars to address transport and logistics issues.