China Merchants Holdings (International) Co, which owns stakes in the country's five largest ports, said 2006 profit rose 7.4 percent after it handled more cargo on surging trade. Net income increased to HK$2.54 billion, or HK$1.09 a share, from HK$2.36 billion, or HK$1.07 a share, the company said in a statement to the Hong Kong stock exchange yesterday.

The company is expanding its port business as Chinese exports of clothing, computers and other goods to the US and Europe pick up.

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