HCM CITY — France’s CMA CGM, the world’s third-largest container shipping group, is exploring potential investments in HCM City as the southern economic hub advances plans to expand its seaport and logistics infrastructure.

Speaking at a meeting with city leaders on Monday, Amelie Manon Humphreys, Chief Executive Officer of CMA CGM Vietnam, said Việt Nam is a strategic market for the company, with particular focus on HCM City. 

She said the group is interested in the country’s maritime development strategy, including the Cái Mép–Thị Vải port cluster and the proposed Cần Giờ international transshipment port.

CMA CGM is seeking clarity on port planning, land clearance, construction timelines and investment procedures, she added.

Nguyễn Văn Thọ, deputy chairman of the municipal People's Committee, welcomed the company’s interest, saying CMA CGM has already contributed significantly to the local economy. 

He pledged the city would continue administrative reforms to create a more investor-friendly environment as it seeks to develop into a regional logistics hub.

The city is currently pushing to build an “open port system”, streamline customs procedures, and establish a free trade zone to encourage investment in modern logistics and multimodal transport. 

The city expects to finalise a comprehensive port development plan this year, which will include calls for investment in the Cần Giờ transshipment port and the Cái Mép-Thị Vải complex.

Globally, CMA CGM operates 65 container ports and is controlled by the family of chairman and CEO Rodolphe Saadé. 

In 2024, the French group reported an 18 per cent revenue increase to US$55.5 billion, driven by a 7.8 per cent rise in shipping volume. Second-quarter revenue alone reached $13.2 billion, according to Reuters. — VNS