Converging global logistics intelligence: Vietnam aims to become a green supply chain hub

(Chinhphu.vn) - The world's largest logistics event - FIATA World Congress 2025 - officially took place in Hanoi, providing an opportunity for Vietnam to affirm its role as a regional logistics center, promoting green transformation, digitalization and sustainable global connectivity.

FIATA World Congress 2025 held for the first time in Vietnam attracts delegates from over 100 countries

FIATA World Congress 2025: An opportunity for a shared vision of the future of logistics

On October 8, in Hanoi, the World Congress of the International Federation of Freight Forwarders and Transport Associations (FIATA World Congress 2025) officially opened. With the theme "Green and Resilient Logistics", the event gathered more than 1,200 delegates from 150 countries and territories, demonstrating Vietnam's increasingly important role on the global logistics map.

FIATA World Congress is the largest annual event of the world logistics industry, gathering leaders of countries, international organizations, industry associations, experts and businesses in logistics, transportation, import-export and technology. This is the first time Vietnam has hosted, marking a special milestone for FIATA - an organization with nearly a century of development history - and also an important step forward for the Vietnamese logistics industry on the path of deep integration.

In his opening speech, Mr. Turgut Erkeskin, President of FIATA, emphasized: FIATA has been accompanying the development of global trade and supply chains for nearly 100 years. "FIATA has become the common voice of the logistics industry, bringing together tens of thousands of businesses around the world."

In recent years, FIATA has accelerated digitalization, from electronic bills of lading (e-FBL) to mobile applications for order management, and has worked closely with international organizations such as the WTO, WCO, IATA, the United Nations and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), said Mr. Erkeskin. At the same time, FIATA has enhanced training, raised professional standards and promoted gender equality – evidenced by the election of many female leaders to the Executive Board for the first time.

"FIATA World Congress 2025 is an opportunity to establish a common vision for the future of logistics – where technological innovation, green transformation and environmental responsibility become pillars of development," the FIATA President emphasized, while appreciating Vietnam's role in the global supply chain network.

Mr. Turgut Erkeskin, President of FIATA - Photo: VGP/HT

Vietnam – the destination of the global supply chain

According to the FIATA President, the organization of the congress in Hanoi is the result of the vision and strong support of the Vietnamese Government.

"I have worked with the Prime Minister of Vietnam twice and have seen a clear commitment to developing the logistics industry. Vietnam is emerging as a potential logistics hub in the Asia- Pacific region, especially thanks to its advantages in seaports, transport infrastructure and regional connectivity network," said the FIATA President.

The FIATA President also affirmed that FIATA is ready to support Vietnam in accessing the global supply chain, developing green logistics and expanding financial cooperation, thereby enhancing national competitiveness. "FIATA and the Vietnam Logistics Business Association (VLA) will work together to build sustainable capacity, helping businesses operate effectively and in an environmentally friendly manner," he said.

In addition, Mr. Erkeskin emphasized the importance of measuring carbon emissions, innovating business models and strengthening international cooperation to reduce emissions throughout the supply chain. According to him, "FIATA World Congress 2025 is an opportunity for the global logistics community to exchange knowledge and shape a common vision for a sustainable future."

Mr. Dao Trong Khoa, Chairman of VLA, said that Vietnam hosting the congress for the first time is an important turning point, demonstrating the international community's trust in Vietnam's logistics industry.

According to Mr. Khoa, Vietnam's economy is deeply integrated with impressive import-export growth rates, with trade turnover expected to exceed 800 billion USD by 2025. The country currently has more than 45,000 logistics enterprises, including 5,000 international freight forwarding enterprises, contributing significantly to GDP and national competitiveness.

"FIATA World Congress 2025 is an opportunity for Vietnam to introduce its logistics capacity, expand investment cooperation, learn from international experience and affirm its position in the global supply chain. FIATA World Congress 2025 is not just a congress, but a journey connecting Vietnam with the world, affirming our strong commitment to building a green, modern and efficient logistics ecosystem," said Mr. Dao Trong Khoa.

Mr. Dao Trong Khoa, Chairman of VLA - Photo: VGP/HT

Green transformation – the key to the future of Vietnam logistics

According to the Chairman of VLA, green transformation and digitalization are inevitable directions for the logistics industry. In recent years, the Vietnamese Government has issued a series of strategies such as the National Strategy on Green Growth and the National Action Plan on Green Logistics, aiming for a net zero emission target by 2050.

At the discussion session, Mr. Robert Yap, Executive Chairman of YCH Group (Singapore) - the unit that is cooperating with T&T Group to develop a logistics super port (SuperPort™) in Vietnam, said: "Green logistics cannot be separated from technology and human resources."

YCH Group – one of the largest logistics companies in Southeast Asia – is implementing a smart, low-carbon logistics model, connecting industrial parks with international ports through a modern technology platform. Mr. Yap shared: "The SuperPort project in Vietnam is a testament to the vision of 'Green Logistics – Fast Adaptation'. We believe that Vietnam can become the logistics hub of Asia – Pacific".

Besides the technology factor, Mr. Yap emphasized the role of human – the “soul” of a sustainable supply chain. YCH Group is cooperating with Vietnamese universities in international internship and expert exchange programs.

Positioning Vietnam logistics in the global value chain

Exchanging information at the press conference, analysts said: Vietnam's logistics costs, despite improvements, are still higher than the ASEAN average. Vietnam's LPI (Logistics Performance Index) ranks 43rd in the world, reflecting great potential for improvement to enter the global top 20.

"We have a big bright spot in supply chain capacity and import-export growth rate that is more than double GDP. However, we need to set higher goals, moving towards the top 20 LPI by promoting digitalization, improving multimodal connectivity and enhancing human resource capacity," said Mr. Dao Trong Khoa.

Also at the event, delegates discussed the role of AI in logistics, saying that artificial intelligence helps process data, reduce errors, eliminate manual errors, and improve efficiency and competitiveness. However, with 90–95% of Vietnamese logistics enterprises being small and medium-sized enterprises, access to technology is limited and requires specific support policies from the Government, ministries and associations.

"Despite many difficulties, global logistics has demonstrated incredible resilience and adaptability. This is also the time for Vietnam to reposition its role in the global value chain," said the FIATA President.

FIATA World Congress 2025 is considered a "bridge" between nearly a century of FIATA's formation and the vision of future logistics - green, digital and sustainable. In Hanoi, more than 1,200 delegates will discuss topics such as: cross-border e-commerce, flexible supply chains, new economic corridors, green logistics and the development of water and rail transport to reduce emissions and optimize costs.

Mr. Minh

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/hoi-tu-tri-tue-logistics-toan-cau-viet-nam-huong-toi-trung-tam-chuoi-cung-ung-xanh-10225100815001988.htm