Green logistics a vital condition for Vietnam firms to flourish: exec

Green logistics is not just a long-term goal but a present-day opportunity for Vietnamese enterprises to advance amid the global transition toward sustainable development.

Pham Tan Cong, chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI). made the remark at the “Green logistics - resilience amid volatility” forum held on Friday in Hanoi.

He emphasized that ESG standards, net zero commitments, and carbon border taxes are becoming technical barriers that compel businesses to transform in order to survive.

“Green logistics is no longer an option; it’s a vital condition for Vietnamese enterprises to participate in the global sustainable development strategy,” Cong noted.

Citing a survey by VCCI’s Business Council for Sustainable Development, he stressed that global supply chains are increasingly demanding sustainability across all stages, including design, operations, procurement, logistics, and waste management.

Echoing this viewpoint, a representative from EuroCham acknowledged the challenges Vietnam faces in accessing the EU market, particularly due to inconsistent policies and underdeveloped infrastructure. However, he added that the country holds a “golden opportunity” to invest in a modern, efficient, and sustainable logistics ecosystem.

The logistics and transportation sectors are major contributors to emissions, especially maritime transport, which consumes significant amounts of fuel. In response to requirements set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), fuels used in the maritime industry must contribute to reducing carbon emissions, with a global net-zero target set for 2050.

Green logistics is already a central pillar of Vietnam’s National Green Growth Strategy for 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050. Under the prime ministerial Decision No. 882, logistics is identified as one of 18 priority areas in the National Action Plan on Green Growth. Notably, green energy transition in transportation is considered a leading initiative.

At the forum, Tran Thanh Hai, deputy director of the import-export department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, described green logistics as an “economic shield", helping businesses withstand fluctuations in fuel and freight prices while complying with new carbon tax regulations from markets like the EU.

However, Hai acknowledged that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) continue to face major obstacles, such as outdated infrastructure, high initial investment costs, and a lack of green transformation expertise.

To transition to green logistics, Hai stated that transportation vehicles should use renewable electricity, hydrogen, or liquefied natural gas (LNG). He also recommended shifting to higher-capacity transport modes like waterways and rail, while optimizing logistics through larger-scale shipments, reduced empty trips, and the development of smart warehouses and ports.

According to Cong, VCCI has developed a Corporate Sustainability Index (CSI) to help businesses self-assess their “sustainability health.” This tool allows companies to identify weaknesses, create actionable improvement plans, and attract effective investment.

From a business standpoint, Yap Kwong Weng, CEO of Vietnam SuperPort, emphasized the importance of promoting an integrated multimodal logistics model. He also called for a strong policy and financial framework to support real transformation among logistics operators.

Vietnam SuperPort is currently rolling out a new model in the country that integrates air cargo terminals, bonded and general warehouses, and cross-border logistics solutions.

Yap Kwong Weng noted that while this approach is not yet widespread in the region, it has the potential to offer Vietnam a “structural advantage” within the international supply chain.

“We’re not heading toward mass industrial parks. Instead, we’re focused on optimizing existing assets to improve operational efficiency,” the CEO added.

He highlighted cross-border connectivity - such as shipping routes from China through Hai Phong Port - as a strategic asset that could reinforce Vietnam’s position in the regional logistics network.