PETALING JAYA: China Shipping Lines (CSCL) is set to exceed its target of 280,000 TEUs at Westport for 2003. CSCL has also projected a growth of 25% to 350,000 TEUs at Westport for next year.

"In view of China being a strategic trading partner for Malaysia, CSCL and Westport play an important role," said Tang Wan Jun the director of China Shipping Sdn Bhd.

He elaborated that both CSCL and Westport provide very vital function for shipping and handling of cargo containers between the two nations.

He also said CSCL will expand its fleet with the addition of eight super post panamax vessels. "Each vessel has a capacity for 8,000 TEUs each," said Tang.

He also said that these giant vessels will be able to berth at Westport. "Westport is among the best-managed regional ports in the world," said Tang.

He also said Westport is excellent in providing IT based solutions and CSCL has no problems liaising with it on all technical and operational requirements.

Malaysia is China's largest trading partner in Asean and the 7th largest trading partner in the world. Between 1996 and 2002, trade with China increased three-fold from US3.8 billion (RM14.4) to USll.4 billion (RM43.4). Trade grew 49% in 2002.