Digital transformation and the application of new technologies are identified by businesses as the "key" for the port and logistics industry to thrive, integrate fully into the global arena, and enhance its competitiveness with other ports in the region.
With its strategic location as a transportation hub and the main gateway to the sea for the northern provinces, Hai Phong city currently concentrates many port, transportation, and import-export businesses, as well as many large logistics centers such as the logistics centers of Saigon Newport Corporation, GSL, DH, Yusen, Hai An, etc. In the context of comprehensive and deep international development and integration, the application of digital and smart platforms is no longer just a trend but has become an essential requirement for businesses and organizations.
Ms. Tran To Loan, Deputy General Director of Sao Do Group, the investor of Nam Dinh Vu Industrial Park (Hai Phong), said that with the goal of transforming from a traditional industrial park model to a sustainable industrial park, the company is very interested in digital transformation, using data management software, VR360 software in customer outreach, and digitizing wastewater treatment systems and electrical systems... However, the company's difficulty is the lack of a complete supply chain system.
According to Ms. Loan: "At the Nam Dinh Vu Industrial Park and a component project of the industrial park, the Nam Dinh Vu Port, we have built a smart-port software system with a complete online system including online declarations, I-gate, and online customs clearance. However, this is limited to the Nam Dinh Vu Industrial Park and Nam Dinh Vu Port only. Logistics systems connecting with the outside, for example, within the Nam Dinh Vu Industrial Park there is a logistics zone, and outside the Nam Dinh Vu Port there are many related systems including warehouses, yards, and ports… The connection between businesses within the park is still limited, and this is inconvenient for customers."
A lack of systematic approach and difficulties in the supply chain are also common problems for logistics businesses in Hai Phong. Businesses use different systems and technologies. Furthermore, in a competitive environment, some logistics companies tend to keep information and data to themselves.
According to Dr. Nguyen Minh Duc, Deputy Head of the Economics Faculty, Vietnam Maritime University, and Vice President of the Hai Phong Logistics Association, this consequently affects the process of information exchange, data management, and process optimization.
"Logistics businesses in Hai Phong are still facing many challenges, especially regarding digital transformation and green transformation. There are many different approaches to digital transformation. Currently, some businesses haven't implemented it, some are using one software, and others are using a different one. Therefore, the intervention of the government and state management agencies is crucial to help businesses understand and implement it in a focused manner to avoid waste," said Dr. Nguyen Minh Duc.
In light of this situation, from 2022 to the present, the Hai Phong Department of Industry and Trade has proposed to the Hai Phong People's Committee the development of three projects related to digital transformation for the logistics industry, including: a project to create a database for the logistics industry in Hai Phong; the development of an online logistics exchange platform; and a project for inter-sectoral digital transformation in logistics. These projects aim to connect state management agencies with businesses, not only in Hai Phong but also nationwide and internationally.
Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh, Director of the Hai Phong Department of Industry and Trade, said that digital transformation projects in the logistics sector have been approved in Hai Phong City's Digital Transformation Plan and are being gradually developed and implemented. However, a database software system is needed for state management of logistics nationwide.
"We propose that the Ministry of Industry and Trade recommend to the Government to direct central ministries and agencies to allow the sharing of management data from state management agencies, so that businesses can easily access policies. This also requires the cooperation of businesses. Only by participating in online trading platforms or common databases can we share information with state management agencies as well as other business clients," Mr. Thanh stated.
According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade's 2023 Logistics Report, over 90% of participating logistics service businesses are currently in the digitalization phase, including Level 1 (informatization) and Level 2 (connectivity). Very few logistics service businesses have achieved Level 3 or higher in digital transformation, mainly concentrated among large enterprises. Notably, only 0.4% of businesses have reached the highest level, Level 6, which indicates adaptability.
Experts believe that developing the logistics industry in general and promoting digital transformation in particular requires the synchronized, timely, and effective involvement of all levels, sectors, and the business community. The application of scientific and technological advancements and innovation is the foundation and key to developing smart and modern logistics.
According to Tran Luu Quang, Head of the Central Economic Committee, developing modern logistics is an essential requirement to enhance Vietnam's position and competitiveness in the global logistics market.
Mr. Quang also added: "Now, the world demands modern logistics, that is, logistics combined with digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and innovation, not the old-fashioned way of our ports. Even our ports now have to adjust to this trend, otherwise our costs will be very high, and customers will choose elsewhere. This also requires more convenient modes of transportation; it requires us to provide high-quality human resources to serve modern logistics."
Hai Phong aims to become one of the important logistics hubs, a multimodal distribution and transshipment center connecting the Northern Key Economic Region with the rest of the country, the region, and internationally. The city is striving to be a leader in digital transformation – green transformation, applying science and technology to logistics activities, considering it a driving force to promote the growth of the city's key economic sector, contributing to local socio-economic development.
Source: https://vov.vn/kinh-te/de-nganh-cang-bien-logistics-hai-phong-vuon-minh-hoi-nhap-post1129008.vov
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