Promoting digital transformation in the logistics industry in Vietnam

On the afternoon of January 9, the Import-Export Department (Ministry of Industry and Trade) coordinated with the Digital Trade Project in Vietnam to organize a workshop on "Promoting digital transformation in the logistics industry".

Digital transformation is an inevitable trend

The workshop attracted the participation of more than 100 delegates from state agencies, enterprises, universities and related organizations, creating an important forum for parties to share ideas, cooperate and promote digital transformation in the logistics industry, contributing to improving Vietnam's competitiveness in the region and internationally.

The workshop "Promoting digital transformation in the logistics industry" took place on the afternoon of January 9, in Hanoi.

The workshop introduced the Draft Report on Digital Transformation in Logistics in Vietnam - Current Status and Recommendations conducted by a group of domestic and international experts of the Vietnam Digital Trade Project (VDT) to assess the level of digital transformation in the port, warehouse, transportation and last-mile delivery service sectors in Vietnam, and at the same time provide specific policy recommendations.

The report stated that with a large market size and high growth potential, digital transformation is an inevitable trend in the logistics industry, although businesses are still in the early stages of this process.

Limited capital and lack of qualified personnel are the main barriers for logistics enterprises, especially small and medium enterprises. FDI enterprises and last-mile delivery groups have a higher level of digital transformation thanks to advantages in capital, international experience and market pressure.

The report also shares best practices in digital transformation in the logistics sector from several countries such as China, South Korea, Thailand, Australia and Germany.

68% of companies invest in new technology

The panel discussion, with the participation of representatives from associations, government agencies and leading enterprises in the logistics sector, focused on important aspects of digital transformation in the logistics industry, including an assessment of the digital transformation process in Vietnam and in areas such as transportation, warehousing and last-mile delivery.

Speakers discussed the role of customs in improving the flow of goods, achievements in the port industry and the potential for building regional cargo transshipment hubs, along with the importance of digital border gates.

In addition, experts highlighted challenges such as lack of capital and human resources and proposed solutions based on international experience and Vietnamese practices. The decisive role of business leaders and the application of technology such as artificial intelligence and big data in logistics for e-commerce were also mentioned, providing a comprehensive perspective on digital transformation strategy.

Mr. Trevor O'Regan - International Expert of the Digital Trade Project in Vietnam of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) - assessed that with a long coastline and major international ports (Hai Phong, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau), Vietnam has become an ideal hub for maritime transport. Vietnam's logistics industry accounts for about 4.5% of GDP and is growing at a rate of 14-16% per year.

The government is investing heavily in logistics infrastructure, including building new highways and expanding airports. However, Vietnam’s supply chains face challenges such as high logistics costs, infrastructure gaps and complex regulations in some cases.

Experts at the conference also said that Vietnam’s logistics industry is undergoing rapid digital transformation, with 68% of companies investing in new technology despite infrastructure challenges. Key innovations include warehouse and transportation management systems, AI-based forecasting, and IoT-based route tracking solutions. This helps companies overcome infrastructure gaps while meeting the needs of Vietnam’s expanding manufacturing and e-commerce sectors.

Sharing at the workshop, Mr. Tran Thanh Hai - Deputy Director of the Import-Export Department - said that the VDT Project Report and opinions from the workshop are an important basis to help us make timely decisions to promote digital transformation in the logistics industry, while raising awareness and action from stakeholders in applying digital technology to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs and improve competitiveness for the Vietnamese logistics industry in the regional and international markets.

Digital transformation is an inevitable path for the Vietnamese logistics industry to improve efficiency and competitiveness, and at the same time requires close coordination between businesses, associations and state agencies.

Source: https://congthuong.vn/thuc-day-chuyen-doi-so-trong-nganh-logistics-tai-viet-nam-368817.html