The Role of Seaports in the Tonkin Coastal Region for Mineral Trading in the Colonial Period (1884-1945)

Abstract

To facilitate an ambitious resource exploitation in Indochina, the French colonial government invested in an advanced transportation system including seaports in the Gulf of Tonkin. Coal mines in coastal areas such as Hon Gai, Cam Pha became vibrant industrial and commercial centers. Therefore, such seaports as Hai Phong, Hon Gai, Cam Pha or Port-Wallut were built close at hand in the Eastern coal basin of Quang Yen province (now Quang Yen district, Quang Ninh province). The mineral trading in Tonkin undoubtedly benefited from this important coastal trading system. With these advantages, the Tonkin coastal region has become an important trading gateway, transhipment and transportation hub for mineral exports in the Far East. This article highlights the advantages and importance of the seaports in the Tonkin for mineral trading in the colonial period (1884-1945).