Vietnam promotes logistics strategy in restructuring global trade

Rapid adaptation, proactive action and close coordination are the keys to maintaining uninterrupted trade flows. This was the prominent message at the discussion session “Restructuring global trade: Challenges and new adaptation strategies” within the framework of FIATA World Congress 2025 on the afternoon of October 9.

At the event, logistics experts and government representatives from many countries analyzed the global trade picture in the context of volatile geopolitics , changing tariff policies and increasingly complex supply chains.

Overview of the discussion session. Photo: Organizing Committee

Speaking at the discussion session, Mr. Tran Thanh Hai, Deputy Director of the Import-Export Department ( Ministry of Industry and Trade ), said that Vietnam is building a national logistics development strategy with eight major focuses. In which, perfecting the legal framework is identified as the top priority to create a transparent and favorable environment for businesses.

In parallel, Vietnam will invest in two large-scale logistics centers in the South, improving international connectivity, reducing transportation costs and supporting cross-border trade. Another goal is to improve the competitiveness of domestic logistics enterprises, which are still small and concentrated in the domestic market, while encouraging them to expand internationally and seek new opportunities in the global supply chain.

Mr. Hai emphasized that the strategy not only focuses on infrastructure but also aims to develop high-quality human resources to meet the requirements of digital transformation and green logistics. Vietnam will prioritize training human resources with international skills and quick adaptation to new technology. In addition, associations such as VLA (Vietnam Logistics Service Association) will play a role in building a cohesive and mutually supportive logistics community.

The strategy also mentions the formation of free trade zones to attract investment, develop high-value logistics services, and exploit the East-West economic corridor connecting the Central region with Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar, opening up new growth drivers for the region.

Speakers at the discussion session

International experts point out that policy uncertainty and reciprocal taxes are disrupting connectivity, causing costs to rise, especially affecting small and medium-sized enterprises.

Mr. Martin Lee, Regional Business Manager of WiseTech Global, believes that API is the “backbone” of global connectivity, helping to connect customs, shipping lines, and airlines. According to him, logistics needs to move towards real-time data connection, creating a “single source of information” to automate processes, reduce manual errors, and speed up customs clearance.

However, he also pointed out the major challenge of not synchronizing data quality between parties. In the context of artificial intelligence increasingly replacing manual operations, Mr. Lee emphasized the need to train the next generation to be able to analyze and make decisions, and promptly update the system whenever there are changes from the government.

According to the speakers, minimizing risks in the supply chain is not only a technological problem but also a national strategy, requiring multi-sectoral coordination and long-term investment in data, people and connectivity infrastructure. In a volatile world, the ability to adapt quickly, take proactive actions and coordinate effectively between parties is considered a decisive factor to ensure the global supply chain operates continuously and sustainably.

Source: https://daibieunhandan.vn/viet-nam-day-manh-chien-luoc-logistics-trong-tai-cau-truc-thuong-mai-toan-cau-10389750.html