### The Shift Towards Green Logistics in Vietnam
The need for sustainable practices in industries worldwide is becoming ever more urgent, and Vietnam is stepping up its game in logistics. During a recent seminar titled “Green Logistics – A Sustainable Development Trend for Vietnamese Export Businesses” held in Ho Chi Minh City on September 5, industry experts underscored the critical importance of green logistics as a necessity rather than a mere trend.
### Insights from Industry Leaders
Opening the seminar, Trần Phú Lữ, Director of the Investment and Trade Promotion Centre of Ho Chi Minh City (ITPC), highlighted that integrating green logistics is now a vital criterion in evaluating sustainability in business operations. He emphasized that companies adopting these environmentally friendly practices can not only broaden their customer base but also drive revenue, minimize costs, and bolster long-term competitiveness.
### Vietnam’s Strategic Advantages
Vietnam boasts significant advantages that can position it as a key player in regional logistics. With its strategic location, featuring a sprawling 3,260 km coastline, deep-water ports, and an expanding manufacturing sector, the logistics industry has been experiencing robust growth. The sector has seen an annual growth rate of 14-16%, and its market value is estimated between $45 billion and $50 billion. For context, Vietnam ranks 43rd out of 139 countries in the Logistics Performance Index, drawing competitive standing among ASEAN nations.
### The Rising Costs and Environmental Impacts
Despite these promising figures, logistics costs continue to pose challenges. Many domestic companies operate in fragmented systems, heavily relying on road transport and lacking integrated supply chains. This reliance has significant environmental repercussions, including emissions and industrial waste. Thus, transitioning to green logistics emerges not just as a choice but as an urgent necessity.
### Government Initiatives and Technological Advancements
The Vietnamese government has prioritized infrastructure investment, pushing for new expressways and upgraded seaport facilities to help companies reduce both costs and emissions. In parallel, many logistics firms are innovating their operational frameworks by expanding international collaborations and applying new technologies aimed at enhancing efficiency.
Trần Phú Lữ encouraged businesses to embrace greener options such as eco-friendly vehicles, GPS-based warehousing management, and cold chain technologies to not just save energy but also reduce waste effectively.
### Navigating New Regulations
Trương Tấn Lộc, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Logistics Association (HLA), pointed out the growing challenges imposed by new EU environmental regulations. The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, effective from 2026, mandates exporters to purchase carbon certificates for carbon emissions tied to specific goods destined for the EU. Coupled with the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, companies will bear the responsibility for their environmental impact throughout their supply chains.
These regulations redefine global carbon pricing, making green logistics a key factor for exporters wishing to retain market access. Non-compliance could lead to penalties, while sustainable practices can enhance brand reputation and improve negotiation leverage.
### Real-World Benefits of Green Logistics
The seminar illustrated the benefits of green logistics through local success stories. For instance, Tân Cảng Cát Lái Port has fully implemented electronic transactions via ePort, drastically reducing cargo handling times from a few hours to just 15-20 minutes. This transformation has resulted in annual savings of approximately $1.5 million to $2 million in fuel, while also cutting CO₂ emissions through the use of electric cranes. Additionally, artificial intelligence tools optimizing logistics routes have minimized fuel consumption by nearly 15% and shortened delivery times by 25%.
### Continuing Challenges
Despite advances, challenges remain, particularly the heavy dependency on road transport within the country. Limited connectivity among different transportation modes continues to hinder logistics efficiency.
### Proposals for Advancing Green Logistics
The HLA has proposed comprehensive criteria for measuring green logistics on a national scale. Moreover, they are advocating for progressive green finance policies, which would include tax incentives for electric vehicles and energy-efficient equipment, as well as a robust legal framework for the carbon credit market to facilitate reinvestment in clean technologies.
To enhance infrastructure, they are urging the government to expedite key projects tailored to multimodal transport, intending to alleviate road congestion. A pivotal recommendation is the establishment of a shared Port Community System for the Southern Key Economic Region, which would optimize operational workflows.
### Embracing Human Resource Development
Human resource development is equally crucial in this transition. Trương Tấn Lộc emphasized the importance of educational reform through collaboration between government bodies, universities, and businesses. Initiating regular forums and seminars can significantly enhance awareness about global green trends and compliance requirements among business leaders.
### Digital Transformation in Customs
Bùi Tuấn Hải, Deputy Head of the Customs Sub-Department of Region II, elaborated on the customs sector’s digital transformation efforts. Innovations like the Vietnam Automated Cargo Clearance System and the National and ASEAN Single Window are set to streamline customs procedures, significantly reducing clearance times for “green lane” goods to mere seconds.
Looking ahead, the customs sector aims to implement “Smart Customs” by 2030, leveraging technologies such as AI, Big Data, and Blockchain for heightened efficiency. Businesses are encouraged to remain proactive in adapting to these advancements while ensuring accurate documentation and training their teams on new digital systems.
### The Event Framework
This seminar was organized by ITPC alongside the International Market Development Department as part of the Vietnam International Sourcing 2025 and Export Forum 2025, held at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre from September 4-6. The event showcased the collective effort towards enhancing Vietnam’s position on the global logistics map while focusing on sustainable practices.