Technology is the key to bringing Vietnam into the top 20 global logistics

DNVN - According to experts, digitalization and artificial intelligence (AI) are not threats, but a golden opportunity for the Vietnamese logistics industry to break through, solve challenges in costs and infrastructure to become a leading regional freight transit center.

Within the framework of the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA World Congress 2025) taking place in Hanoi , experts from FIATA and the Vietnam Logistics Services Association (VLA) have made in-depth analyses of the potential, challenges and development orientations for Vietnam's logistics industry in the new context.

Big opportunity, big challenge

Speaking to the press, Mr. Turgut Erkeskin - President of FIATA said that Vietnam is holding great opportunities thanks to the strong growth of its foreign trade economy and strategic geographical location.

"Increasing trade activities and deep integration are creating a favorable foundation for the industry. In addition, Vietnam has great potential to become an important freight transit hub in the region," Mr. Erkeskin commented.

However, to turn potential into reality, Vietnam faces many challenges. The FIATA President pointed out that the infrastructure system including seaports, roads, railways, and aviation needs to continue to be invested synchronously. In particular, Vietnam's Logistics Performance Index (LPI) is still at an average level, ranked 43rd, according to the World Bank.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visits the booth at the congress.

"Vietnam should aim to reach the top 20 LPI. Then the connection system will be better, operate more efficiently, costs will be lower and productivity of the whole industry will be significantly improved," Mr. Turgut Erkeskin suggested.

The solution to the growth problem

To address these challenges, experts agree that technology is the key. "Digitalization and AI are not a threat, but an opportunity for the logistics industry," Turgut Erkeskin stressed.

Logistics involves a lot of repetitive processes, he explained. AI can automate these steps, eliminating duplication, ensuring data accuracy, and increasing operational efficiency. Regarding concerns about AI causing job losses, he said the technology will restructure the workforce toward greater specialization, rather than reducing the number of jobs in the long term.

From Vietnam’s perspective, Mr. Dao Trong Khoa - Chairman of VLA, believes that the goal of entering the top 20 LPI is completely feasible. With import-export turnover expected to exceed 800 billion USD by 2025 and an estimated logistics market size of more than 70 billion USD, Vietnam has a solid foundation for breakthroughs.

However, Mr. Khoa also pointed out the biggest challenge when applying AI in Vietnam: "The challenge lies in the ability to access technology of small and medium-sized enterprises (accounting for 90-95% of the total number of logistics enterprises). Therefore, there needs to be specific support and orientation policies from the Government and associations to help them access new technology more effectively."

Demonstrating the trend of applying technology is the fact that the FIATA 2025 Congress for the first time applied a specialized mobile application (app) to connect B2B (business-to-business) trade.

According to Mr. Dao Trong Khoa, this application is not only providing information but also a powerful business tool. The main goal is to connect businesses through 'one-on-one' meetings. This represents FIATA's shift, not only sharing knowledge but also creating real business opportunities for delegates.

Adding to the convenience, Mr. Stefan Graber - General Director of FIATA, said: "This application makes specialized knowledge more accessible than ever. Any freight forwarder, whether at the station or in the middle of the forest, with just a mobile phone can access information, follow correct packaging procedures, minimize risks and improve work efficiency."

At the plenary session of the congress, Mr. Robert Yap - Executive Chairman of YCH Group emphasized that in the integration process, it is important to apply technology and information. Realizing that, he gradually improved the team's capacity to adapt to advanced technology and artificial intelligence to optimize management and transportation of goods more.

He added that YCH Singapore and the T&T Group consortium are implementing a super port project. The latest technologies will be applied here to support the industrial park here to connect with international ports.

“This is a very big project and we are working with T&T Group. We bring businesses here the smart connection of Asia and Asia - Pacific. We will also implement it in Cambodia soon. This interesting infrastructure project is green and adaptive logistics", shared the Executive Chairman of YCH Group.

According to experts, technology is gradually becoming the "backbone", reshaping the way the logistics industry operates and creating competitive advantages. With the right investment and appropriate support policies, Vietnam can fully take advantage of the technology wave to realize its aspiration of becoming a leading logistics center on the world map.

Moonlight

Source: https://doanhnghiepvn.vn/cong-nghe/cong-nghe-la-chia-khoa-dua-viet-nam-lot-top-20-logistics-toan-cau/20251009101656218