Dao Trong Khoa, The President of Vietnam Logistics Business Association(VLA) spoke with a reporter from the Newspaper of Industry and Trade on the sidelines of a press conference for the FIATA World Congress, held at midday of October 8 in Hanoi.

- This is the first time the FIATA World Congress is being hosted in Vietnam. What is your assessment of the theme “Green and adaptive logistics” in today’s context?

Dao Trong Khoa: The topic “Green and adaptive logistics” suitable for global context and strong industry transformation trends. Over 1,000 international delegates are attending the event to exchange timely actions and practical solutions aimed at accelerating the greening of the logistics industry - a pressing demand of the present time.

In Vietnam, national logistics development strategy also emphasizes green logistics, focusing on energy transition and increasing the number of enterprises applying digital and green technologies. The strategy will be implemented through 2035, with a vision to 2045, reflecting the country’s commitment to building a modern and sustainable logistics sector.

The event also aims to deliver a strong message to Vietnamese authorities, urging the improvement of regulatory frameworks and policies to create a more favorable environment for logistics businesses to expand and grow.

Following the congress, stakeholders are expected to develop concrete solutions focusing on logistics enterprises, particularly small and medium-sized businesses, which need to be supported in terms of mechanisms, policies and transformation orientations for effective adaptation.

- The conference had more than 1,000 delegates attending, of which more than 500 were international. How do you evaluate the opportunity to connect, cooperate and learn from global partners?

Vietnam is a dynamic economy with deep integration into the global market and an impressive growth rate. By 2025, the country’s total trade value is expected to surpass USD 800 billion. Vietnam’s logistics sector currently comprises around 45,000 enterprises, including 5,000 international freight forwarding companies, playing a vital role in the national economy.

The country is aiming to become a regional logistics hub by investing in modern infrastructure, particularly green logistics while promoting cooperation, technology transfer and innovation.

This congress opens up opportunities for Vietnam’s logistics sector to develop by accessing advanced trends, technologies, and management expertise from international partners. This will help identify suitable pathways for green transformation and productivity improvement. Due to high transportation costs, optimizing supply chains, adopting digital technologies, developing synchronized infrastructure, and promoting business cooperation are key factors to reduce costs and enhance competitiveness. Supportive policies on tax, green credit, and technology investment will assist enterprises in transitioning to a modern, green, and more efficient logistics model.

Vietnam becoming a host of the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA)is a significant opportunity not only for the logistics sector but for the entire economy. With over 1,000 delegates attending, including more than 500 from abroad, Vietnamese businesses have the chance to connect directly, exchange experiences, learn advanced business models, and promote the development of green logistics.

Today, Vietnam’s logistics costs have improved and are lower than the ASEAN average, but there remain many opportunities for further optimization. Promoting digital transformation and green logistics not only helps reduce costs but also enhances operational efficiency, delivering shared benefits for businesses and the economy while strengthening the sector’s competitiveness.

- Waterway transport is seen as a key approach to greening the logistics industry, as it is an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly mode of transportation. How do you evaluate the efforts of Vietnamese enterprises in promoting inland waterway and coastal shipping?

Waterway transport, along with rail transport, is an environmentally friendly mode capable of carrying large volumes at low cost and high efficiency. Vietnam has a favorable foundation for developing logistics, especially in the waterway sector. According to the Ministry of Construction’s direction, the goal is to increase the market share of waterway transport to over 30%, compared to the current rate of about 8%.

Currently, Vietnamese logistics companies, especially in Hai Phong, are focusing on promoting waterway transport. Several pioneering enterprises, such as Macstrar, a member of VLA, are bringing waterway transport services closer to cargo sources within industrial zones, opening a promising and sustainable development path.

At the international level, buyers and global partners are increasingly focused on low-emission transport solutions utilizing green transport corridors. Developing inland waterway and rail transport not only creates a green logistics network within Vietnam but also enhances international connectivity. Many Vietnamese enterprises are moving in the right direction and actively participating in international events such as the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) congress.

Thank you so much!

Vietnam is a destination and logistics hub at the crossroads of global supply chains. The development of seaports, combined with other infrastructure facilities and supply chain connectivity, serves as evidence of effective integration. This demonstrates that Vietnam has achieved numerous concrete goals in its logistics sector.