Prime Minister Chính Calls for Accelerated Green and Digital Transformation in Logistics Sector

Đà Nẵng, The Gulf Observer: Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has urged Việtnam’s logistics industry to fast-track its “green” and digital transformation in order to reduce costs to the global average and strengthen its contribution to national economic growth. He delivered the remarks at the Việtnam Logistics Forum held in Đà Nẵng on November 29.

The Prime Minister highlighted the sector’s robust performance in 2024, which helped boost the country’s import-export turnover to US$900 billion. However, he stressed that the industry must remove lingering obstacles to ensure stable growth and sustainable development in the years ahead.

“Logistics plays a vital role in Việtnam’s economic progress. Although it records annual growth of 15–16 per cent and contributes 4.5–5 per cent to GDP, the country still lacks major enterprises and national-level logistics centres,” Chính noted.

He emphasized the need for a comprehensive operating mechanism and targeted cost reductions—from the current 16 per cent to the world average of 11–12 per cent. “Lower logistics costs could save the country up to US$45 billion in import-export revenue,” he said.

The Prime Minister underlined that the sector must rapidly improve its regulatory framework, eliminate bottlenecks, and prioritize the development of green and smart infrastructure. He added that international cooperation, low-carbon growth, and the development of high-quality human resources must be accelerated in the coming decades.

Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyễn Hồng Diên acknowledged that Việtnam has yet to fully capitalize on its geographic advantages and natural resources. He noted that the country’s logistics competitiveness remains modest, regional connectivity is limited, and green transformation and digitalization are only in their early stages, with a constrained shared database.

Đào Trọng Khoa, Chairman of the Việtnam Logistics Business Association (VLA), said Việt Nam aims to build logistics into a “mega industry,” with projected revenues of US$250–280 billion by 2035 and a position among the world’s top 30 logistics markets. Key developments, he said, include expanding green logistics and establishing free trade zones.

Trần Thanh Hải, Deputy Director General of the Agency of Import and Export, highlighted progress in major national infrastructure projects such as the 3,000km expressway network, Long Thành International Airport, Gia Bình Airport, and the Lào Cai–Hải Phòng railway. He stressed the need to expedite free trade zone construction and revive the East-West Economic Corridor (EWEC), which connects Việt Nam with Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar.

Thomas Sim, President of the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA), said global logistics are evolving rapidly, driven by smart ports, intelligent customs, green logistics, and digitally-enabled workforces. Việt Nam, he noted, is entering a “defining new era” with the rollout of its national action plan to enhance logistics competitiveness and the upcoming logistics development strategy for 2025–2035 with a vision to 2050.

He said Việt Nam holds strong potential to become ASEAN’s next-generation smart multimodal hub, given its strategic position in global manufacturing, maritime routes, and regional corridors. Integrating Liên Chiểu Port, Đà Nẵng International Airport, inland logistics centres, and EWEC infrastructure could solidify its role as a regional powerhouse.

Sim added that Việt Nam must fully adopt electronic bills of lading, expand smart customs connectivity, establish a nationwide interoperable digital logistics ecosystem, and align with international digital standards. Investments in green ports, electric and alternative-fuel fleets, renewable-powered warehouses, and emissions reporting systems could enable the country to lead ASEAN’s green transition. FIATA, he said, stands ready to support Việt Nam in developing a world-class logistics workforce.

Lê Thành Hưng, Director of Đà Nẵng City’s Priority Infrastructure Project Management Board, reported that three investor groups—Hateco Group and APM Terminals (Netherlands); Việt Nam Maritime Corporation and Terminal Investment Limited Holding (Luxembourg); and India’s Adani Ports along with T&T Group—have registered to bid for the development of container terminals at Liên Chiểu Port. The bidding process is expected to open on December 24.

Vice Chairman of Đà Nẵng People’s Committee Lê Quang Nam said the city possesses all the necessary conditions to develop into a global logistics hub, supported by two international airports—Đà Nẵng and Chu Lai—deep-water ports including Liên Chiểu, Kỳ Hà, and Chu Lai, and strong links to Dung Quất Port in neighbouring Quảng Ngãi Province.