DHL Express unveils Hanoi Gateway to boost Vietnam’s international trade capabilities

DHL Express, the world’s big international express service provider, on Tuesday inaugurated its new Hanoi Gateway near the capital city’s Noi Bai International Airport with a total investment of EUR 11.7 million ($12.62 million).

According to DHL, the newly relocated Hanoi Gateway is double the size of the old warehouse at an impressive 4,500 sqm. Its peak handling capacity has also increased by four times.

The express cargo facility is complemented by a well-established national service network, including another gateway in Ho Chi Minh City, 10 service centers, 17 service points, and 25 dedicated flights per week.

Moreover, it is part of DHL’s 50 gateways in Asia Pacific, supported by four main hubs – central Asia Hub in Hong Kong, North Asia Hub in Shanghai (mainland China), South Asia Hub in Singapore and Bangkok Hub (Thailand).

“We are convinced of the nation’s growth potential and continued rise as a global manufacturing hub. Despite the volatile economic landscape, DHL Express has remained focused on providing stable and reliable international express shipping services.

This strategic investment is a testament to our strong support for customers’ growth, bolstering interconnectivity between Vietnam and the rest of the world. We anticipate that this will open doors to many opportunities for small and medium enterprises,” said Bernardo Bautista, general director and country manager of DHL Express Vietnam.

With sustainability at the core of DHL’s business, the new carbon-neutral Hanoi Gateway aligns with the group’s net-zero emissions target by 2050. It features 275 solar panels on the roof, generating an estimated 120 kWh per hour while reducing 70 tons of carbon emissions each year.

The facility also employs high-efficiency equipment, including IE3 motors for conveyors (denoting ‘Premium Efficiency’ for electric motors), 100% LED lighting, electric forklifts, and green air-conditioning systems utilizing variable refrigerant volume technology. Besides, its building management system software monitors and automatically controls electrical consumption, further promoting energy efficiency.

Mark Komene, senior firector for operations at DHL Express Vietnam, commented: “The Hanoi Gateway is an important step in our sustainability roadmap towards a cleaner and greener future. With a bigger space, the facility can handle a lot more shipments, allowing us to increase our operational efficiency while minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. We are proud to work together with our customers to make practical contributions to the environment.”

According to DHL, the broader economic landscape and forecasts made by the World Bank earlier this year pointed to a promising upswing in Vietnam’s export prospects, driven by improved growth in China, the U.S., and the EU, alongside robust global demand.

Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions impacting international trade dynamics, recent data as of October reveals a resilient performance. Vietnam's total exports and imports reached $557.95 billion and a trade surplus of $24.61 billion, marking a significant 157% year-on-year increase.

This positive trajectory is in sync with Vietnam's proactive engagement in pivotal international trade agreements, including the ASEAN free trade area, comprehensive and progressive agreement for trans-pacific partnership, EU-Vietnam free trade agreement, the regional comprehensive economic partnership, and the Indo-Pacific economic framework for prosperity.

The outlook remains optimistic, underscoring Vietnam's resilience and strategic positioning in the global economic landscape. As a vital cog in the supply chain of most companies in Vietnam, DHL Express has continuously been investing in its people and infrastructure to grow in tandem with the country, empowering local businesses and placing them in a favorable position when global trade recovers, HDL stated in its release.

DHL, one of the leading global brands in the logistics industry, has about 395,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide.