Concerns about the prolonged 'logistics trade deficit' have led to a proposal to develop an international maritime hub in Ho Chi Minh City.

This was a proposal put forward by Committee IV in its report on the difficulties and obstacles in logistics and import/export operations.

Cai Mep - Can Gio seaport cluster will become one of the strong seaport centers of Vietnam and the world - Photo: NG.NAM

The Government Office has sent a document to relevant ministries and agencies, as well as the People's Committees of Ho Chi Minh City and Hai Phong, requesting them to study the report of the Private Economic Development Research Board (Board IV) to consider and address difficulties and obstacles in logistics and import-export activities.

Logistics operations have not yet reached their full potential.

Specifically, according to the report of Committee IV, current barriers have prevented logistics operations from reaching their full potential, affecting transport capacity and the competitiveness of Vietnamese goods in the international market, leading to a prolonged "logistics trade deficit".

Specifically, the port system primarily provides cargo handling services, equivalent to about 20% of the functions of an international maritime hub according to world standards. Most value-added services such as shipbuilding, ship repair, finance, marine insurance, as well as related digital technology services, are located outside the port area and depend on foreign businesses.

With numerous advantages such as its geographical location, being among the world's largest trading nations; participating in new-generation FTAs; and possessing the Cai Mep - Thi Vai port complex capable of accommodating the world's largest super-heavy cargo ships, Vietnam has the necessary conditions to open up a corridor for deep integration, creating a golden opportunity to rise and become a new maritime, logistics, and manufacturing hub in Asia.

Furthermore, Committee IV also pointed out that inland waterway transport has not developed to its full potential and advantages, and the transportation of goods has not been optimized in terms of both price and time, as the proportion of public investment in this sector accounts for only 2%.

Many businesses and industries still face difficulties in accessing information to develop strategies to respond to and maintain the competitive advantage of Vietnamese goods against US retaliatory tariffs and other taxes, while compliance costs for export businesses are increasing, road transport is inadequate, or export tax refunds are delayed…

Therefore, Committee IV proposes that the Government direct ministries and agencies to implement several groups of solutions to review administrative procedures thematically, creating a positive effect on business sectors, especially priority sectors such as logistics, and facilitating import and export.

In addition, Committee IV proposed that the Prime Minister direct a new approach with a strong public-private partnership to develop a number of "practical" strategies and programs to increase the competitiveness of the maritime and logistics sector, such as the project to develop an international maritime center in Ho Chi Minh City or the inland waterway transport strategy.

Developing a strategy for the development of an international maritime center.

Prior to the report, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung requested the Ministry of Finance to study and consider launching a movement to reform administrative procedures in related areas such as attracting investment and developing industrial parks, facilitating and promoting tax refunds, etc.

The Ministry of Construction will study the assessments and recommendations of Committee IV regarding the seaport system, inland waterway transport, and logistics infrastructure to improve transport capacity and optimize the transportation of Vietnamese goods in terms of both time and cost; and report to the competent authorities for consideration and decision in the first quarter of 2026.

This Ministry will preside over and coordinate with the People's Committees of Ho Chi Minh City and Hai Phong, as well as leading enterprises and relevant business associations, to develop a strategy for the development of an international maritime center in Ho Chi Minh City and a strategy for the development of inland waterway transport in the two cities; proactively advise and propose new public-private partnership approaches; and report to the competent authorities for consideration and decision in the first quarter of 2026.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade is researching and considering launching a movement to reform administrative procedures in related areas such as logistics development and facilitating import and export.

At the same time, the ministry proactively provides information to businesses and business associations; organizes work programs including content on sectors that need attention in trade negotiations; and researches solutions to support the import and export sectors.

The Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee organized a substantive public-private dialogue with export industry associations and related businesses affected by port infrastructure fees to listen to the concerns and aspirations of businesses and promptly resolve difficulties and obstacles.

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NGOC AN

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/lo-nhap-sieu-logistics-keo-dai-kien-nghi-phat-trien-trung-tam-hang-hai-quoc-te-tai-tphcm-20251210193017792.htm