Connecting logistics centers: A premise for sustainable supply chains

(Chinhphu.vn) - With a growth rate of 13-15%/year, logistics is becoming the lifeblood of Vietnam's economy. One of the key strategies identified is to develop a system of modern logistics centers, capable of effectively connecting economic sectors, regions and countries.

Guests discuss at the seminar

However, in reality, there is currently no connection between logistics centers into a network, so the full advantages of this model have not been fully exploited. In addition to business investment, solutions are needed to support the development and effective connection of logistics centers, thereby promoting the competitiveness of Vietnam's supply chain.

This issue was mentioned at the seminar "Developing logistics centers: Connecting and unifying sustainable supply chains" organized by Industry and Trade Magazine on May 29.

Logistics center – new development driver

According to Ms. Dang Hong Nhung, Import-Export Department ( Ministry of Industry and Trade ), logistics centers play the role of a coordination center, supporting the flow of goods, finance and information. This is not only a place to perform basic functions such as warehousing, classification, delivery, but also integrates value-added services, trade promotion and reverse logistics. These models are expected to become effective connecting axes between industries and economic regions.

From a business perspective, Mr. Hoang Dinh Kien, General Director of Hoa Phat Logistics, commented that global fluctuations are causing logistics operating costs to increase, while the pressure from customers to cut service prices is increasing. In that context, modern, strategic and service-integrated logistics centers are expected to become "transit stations" to help regulate the flow of goods, minimize costs and optimize business operations.

According to Mr. Kien, the biggest need today is for logistics centers to have multi-dimensional connectivity capabilities, from efficient two-way transportation, intelligent data processing to supporting logistics businesses in sharing resources. "We expect logistics centers to not only be a place for storage, but also a 'platform' that gathers all needs, all products, and comprehensively connects parties in the supply chain," Mr. Kien emphasized.

The problem of connecting and sharing data

One of the issues highlighted by businesses and experts is the lack of connection between logistics centers, which has prevented this model from being fully effective. Mr. Dao Van Thuan, Deputy Director of Viettel Lang Son Logistics Park, said that to form a complete logistics chain, the prerequisite is to synchronize data between centers, helping to shorten the flow of goods, control processes and save operating costs.

Ms. Truong Thi Mui, Deputy General Director of Bac Giang International Logistics Company Limited, added that there should be a clear plan for "role division" between logistics centers to avoid overlapping functions, thereby promoting the advantages of each region. Each center should focus on its own customer group, integrate solutions suitable for local characteristics and play its own role in the national network.

Ms. Dang Hong Nhung, Import-Export Department (Ministry of Industry and Trade) said that the Ministry is researching and considering to propose building a separate mechanism for developing logistics centers and perfecting the legal corridor for the logistics industry.

Proposal to build a separate mechanism for logistics center development

In order to support localities and enterprises in developing logistics centers, Ms. Dang Hong Nhung, Import-Export Department, said that in the coming time, as the focal agency for developing national logistics services, the Ministry of Industry and Trade will complete and submit to the Prime Minister for promulgation the strategy for developing Vietnam's logistics services for the period 2025 - 2035 and vision to 2050. This will be an important basis and basis for ministries, branches, localities and enterprises in orienting logistics development in the coming period.

In addition, the Ministry is also researching and considering to propose building a separate mechanism for developing logistics centers and perfecting the legal corridor for the logistics industry.

At the same time, continue to advise the Government and local authorities in the process of developing provincial and local plans and linking them with logistics center development plans.

Finally, the Ministry will continue to work together and coordinate to support localities and businesses in promoting investment attraction in the field of logistics centers, especially promoting the formation of logistics centers associated with seaports, border gates and associated with the formation of free trade zones.

In the long term, for businesses, Ms. Nhung believes that businesses need to restructure to apply digital transformation and especially green transformation to improve service quality and operational efficiency, moving towards more sustainable business models.

Along with that is to promote the connection and sharing of resources in terms of facilities, information and connections. Not only the connection between logistics centers with businesses and customers but also between logistics centers with each other and even between logistics centers with state management agencies.

In addition, Ms. Nhung said that businesses must also proactively monitor market developments and especially new investment incentive policies, in the context of upcoming changes in administrative boundaries and local mergers.

Anh Tho

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/ket-noi-cac-trung-tam-logistics-tien-de-cho-chuoi-cung-ung-ben-vung-102250529130947522.htm