Cross-border logistics: A bridge to open up the economic flow in the Central region

DNVN - Cross-border logistics is considered an “important bridge” to facilitate the flow of goods, expand markets and improve competitiveness. With its strategic location, the North Central and Central Coast regions are expected to become the hub connecting the ASEAN supply chain and the Greater Mekong Sub-region.

Great potential but infrastructure is not commensurate

At the 6th Regional Logistics Forum with the theme "Cross-border logistics - Growth momentum of the North Central and Central Coast regions" on August 22 in Hue , Mr. Hoang Quang Phong - Vice President of the Vietnam Federation of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) emphasized that in the context of integration and increasingly developing international trade, logistics is increasingly becoming a trump card to enhance the competitiveness of each country.

The new era of national development, associated with digital transformation, green transformation and three strategic breakthroughs in institutions, infrastructure and human resources, is posing new requirements and creating conditions to promote the logistics industry. The logistics industry must take the lead in these trends to not only reduce costs but also develop sustainably.

Sharing the same view, Mr. Nguyen Van Phuong - Chairman of Hue City People's Committee said that logistics is "the lifeblood of the economy ". Digital transformation and green transformation in this field not only improve productivity but also minimize environmental impact.

Mr. Nguyen Van Phuong - Chairman of Hue City People's Committee.

The North Central and Central Coastal regions possess a strategic location at the "crossroads" of the North-South and East-West transport corridors, with a system of deep-water seaports, airports and modern railways. The regional planning to 2030, with a vision to 2050, also aims to turn this region into a dynamic, strong maritime economic development region, with national-level logistics centers.

However, according to Mr. Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan - Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade , the great potential of logistics has not been fully exploited due to inherent limitations.

In particular, the logistics infrastructure in the Central region still lacks synchronization. The connection between seaports - railways - roads - airlines, although being strongly invested in, has not yet been brought into full play, leading to high transportation costs.

Besides, specific policy mechanisms are still limited, many small and medium enterprises lack technology resources and high-quality human resources, which are also major barriers.

Bridge to clear economic flow

Speaking at the forum, Mr. Nguyen Duc Hien - Deputy Head of the Central Policy and Strategy Committee, emphasized that in the context of the restructuring of the global supply chain, cross-border logistics is an important bridge to facilitate the flow of goods, expand the market and enhance competitiveness. For the North Central and Central Coast regions, this is the main driving force to become a hub connecting the supply chain of the ASEAN region and the Greater Mekong Sub-region.

To make cross-border logistics a real growth driver, experts and businesses have come up with many strategic solutions.

Mr. Nguyen Duc Hien - Deputy Head of the Central Policy and Strategy Committee.

Mr. Nguyen Duc Hien proposed 5 key solutions: creating a new development space according to integrated planning; ensuring synchronous infrastructure and international connectivity; anticipating the trend of green and smart logistics; perfecting institutions with a new generation free trade zone model in Chan May - Lang Co; investing in two fundamental factors: high-quality human resources and digital logistics.

From the association's perspective, Mr. Nguyen Duy Minh - Vice President of the Vietnam Logistics Services Association (VLA) proposed a "three-legged stool" strategy. That is, building free trade zones (FTZ) adjacent to seaports, airports, and border gates; developing international transit ports to reduce transportation costs; developing international transportation connections with container fleets and multimodal transport companies.

Mr. Minh also emphasized the importance of attracting strategic investors, avoiding the "chicken-egg problem", to create new growth poles for the entire region.

The business representative, Mr. Do Thai Duong - Director of LEC Group Project, proposed special incentive mechanisms on tax and land rent; construction of a traffic route connecting Chan May Economic Zone with La Son - Tuy Loan Expressway. At the same time, reopening the A Dot international border gate to create momentum for exporting goods from Laos and Thailand through Chan May port.

Regarding capital, Mr. Hoang Van Phuc - Deputy General Director of BSL, pointed out the great potential of financial leasing - a flexible capital solution, without collateral, very suitable for logistics enterprises, especially small and medium enterprises to invest in modern vehicles and technology. Although the market size is still modest, less than 0.4% of GDP, this is an important financial channel that needs to be exploited to promote the development of the logistics industry.

Minh Thu

Source: https://doanhnghiepvn.vn/doanh-nghiep/logistics-xuyen-bien-gioi-cau-noi-khoi-thong-dong-chay-kinh-te-mien-trung/20250822053038921