Saigon Newport denies export goods stolen at Cat Lai port

There is no evidence that goods has been stolen at Ho Chi Minh City’s Cat Lai port, as alleged by the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association, says port operator Saigon Newport Corporation.

In a written response sent to the association, the corporation said it was working with competent authorities to verify information on losses of goods provided by the VPSA.

The risk of cargo losses can occur at many stages, it said, adding goods moving from the seller's warehouse to the buyer's warehouse must go through several stages in the supply chain including shipping at sea, unloading at port and transportation from the port to the importer's warehouse.

Therefore, the allegation of goods losses should be verified so as to avoid misunderstandings and damage to the corporation's image.

To enable accurate conclusions by concerned authorities, the corporation needed to cooperate and coordinate with VPSA efforts to verify and clarify facts as also take other measures to avoid damage to its reputation, it said.

On Monday, VPSA sent a written petition to the Vietnam Maritime Administration and Saigon Newport Corporation alleged losses of exported goods found at Cai Lai port, raising suspicions that they might have been stolen.

VPSA members have repeatedly complained that importers have reported losses of pepper and coffee at the destination port, compared to the volumes mentioned in signed contracts.