The Ministry of Industry and Trade to Host the Vietnam Logistics Forum 2024

The Export and Import Department (under the Ministry of Industry and Trade) has announced that the 12th Vietnam Logistics Forum 2024 will be held in Ba Ria – Vung Tau with the theme “Free Trade Zones – A Breakthrough Solution to Promote Logistics Growth.” This event comes amid challenges facing international transport services and the global supply chain due to geopolitical tensions and conflicts in key regions.

Vietnam’s logistics and international freight services sector is adapting to significant changes. The implementation of free trade agreements (FTAs) requires transport companies and forwarders to enhance their competitiveness. Furthermore, tensions in the Red Sea are seriously affecting container transport and overseas shipping services.

The Vietnam Logistics Forum 2024 will take place in early December 2024.

However, Vietnam holds many advantages for logistics services development, thanks to its strategic location in one of the world’s most dynamic regions. Its 3,260-kilometer coastline, along with a network of seaports, international airports, and transnational railways, offers favorable conditions for multimodal transport activities. Moreover, being recognized as the 8th emerging market with substantial consumer demand is attracting many multinational logistics companies to invest in Vietnam.

Ba Ria – Vung Tau, positioned as the gateway to the East Sea for the Southeast region, is being directed towards becoming a leading logistics and container transport center. The Cai Mep – Thi Vai port cluster is planned to become a key transshipment hub in the region, creating significant opportunities for import-export services and international transport.

The booming growth of e-commerce and the increasing demand for green logistics are presenting new challenges. Logistics companies need to invest in technology and sustainable transport solutions to boost competitiveness. Developing free trade zones is expected to provide fresh momentum for the transport services and supply chain sector.

The National Assembly has approved a pilot mechanism to establish a free trade zone in Da Nang, paving the way for research and development of this model nationwide. Notably, the development of a free trade zone linked to the seaport in Cai Mep Ha (Ba Ria – Vung Tau) will be an important lever for logistics and container transport activities in the region.

The forum, with over 500 participants, including leaders from ministries, agencies, and logistics companies, will provide an opportunity to discuss solutions for industry development. In-depth discussions will focus on building and operating free trade zones and their impact on freight transport and supply chain operations.

Aiming to make the logistics services sector a key industry by 2025, the proposed solutions at the Forum will play a crucial role in enhancing international transport capacity and developing a comprehensive supply chain. Additionally, field surveys at ports and logistics centers will provide attendees with specific insights into the sector’s growth potential.

The Vietnam Logistics Forum 2024 will not only be a platform for sharing information and experiences but also an opportunity for domestic and foreign logistics businesses to seek cooperation and investment opportunities. The success of the Forum will contribute to promoting the growth of Vietnam’s logistics services industry, aiming to become a significant logistics hub in the Asia-Pacific region.