On December 2, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) and the People’s Committee of Ba Ria - Vung Tau jointly organized the Vietnam Logistics Forum 2024 in Xuyen Moc District. With the theme “Free Trade Zones – A Breakthrough Solution for Logistics Growth,” the forum witnessed the attendance of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, alongside leaders from various ministries, sectors, and logistics enterprises.
Vietnam’s Logistics: Opportunities and Challenges
Speaking at the forum, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien highlighted Vietnam’s immense potential in the logistics sector. The country boasts strategic advantages such as its central location in Southeast Asia, a highly open economy (over 200% trade-to-GDP ratio), and 17 free trade agreements signed to date.
In 2024, Vietnam is ranked among the Top 10 emerging logistics markets, Top 4 globally for logistics opportunities, and 43rd worldwide for logistics efficiency. Despite this progress, the sector still faces major challenges, including high logistics costs, limited competitiveness, a shortage of skilled labor, and inadequate infrastructure connectivity.
Strategic Directions: Goals and Breakthrough Solutions
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized three key objectives for Vietnam's logistics sector:
- Reducing logistics costs to 15% of GDP to enhance competitiveness.
- Increasing the logistics share in GRDP to 15-20%, driving greater economic contribution.
- Raising Vietnam’s global logistics market share from 0.4% to 0.6%.
To achieve these goals, the Prime Minister outlined seven core solutions, including:
- Developing smart management systems and adopting advanced technologies.
- Prioritizing high-quality workforce training.
- Strengthening multimodal transport connectivity, integrating road, rail, seaports, and aviation.
- Establishing free trade zones closely tied to major seaports, such as the Cai Mep Ha area, leveraging its infrastructure and strategic location.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh gives a speech at the Vietnam Logistics Forum 2024
Strategic Cooperation: Unlocking Growth Potential
During the forum, several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements were signed to pave the way for future projects. Key collaborations included:
- Logistics workforce development between the Department of Industry and Trade of Ba Ria - Vung Tau and the Vietnam Logistics Human Resources Development Association.
- Supply chain optimization solutions between Tan Cang Cai Mep and Logistics Cai Mep.
- Financial cooperation between the Department of Export and Import (MoIT) and the Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BIDV).
These agreements aim to enhance logistics capacity, link logistics services with production and export-import activities, and establish Vietnam as a regional logistics hub.
Free Trade Zones: A Strategic Move
Pham Viet Thanh, Secretary of the Ba Ria - Vung Tau Provincial Party Committee, proposed the establishment of a free trade zone linked to the Cai Mep Ha seaport, seamlessly connecting with Long Thanh International Airport and the deep-water port system of Cai Mep - Thi Vai. This initiative is expected to attract next-generation investments and position the Southeastern region as a key economic and logistics center.
Mr. Nguyen Van Tho, Chairman of the People's Committee of Ba Ria-Vung Tau province,
presented flowers to congratulate the Logistics and Seaport Association of Ba Ria-Vung Tau province
A New Growth Engine for the Economy
The Vietnam Logistics Forum 2024 concluded on a positive note, reaffirming the government’s and local authorities’ commitment to transforming logistics into a pivotal driver of national economic growth. With clear strategic directions and synchronized efforts, Vietnam is poised to emerge as a leading logistics hub on the global stage.
Source: baothanhnien
https://thanhnien.vn/khu-thuong-mai-tu-do-thuc-day-tang-truong-logistics-185241202225110147.htm