Ho Chi Minh City promotes innovation in post-merger logistics

After expanding its administrative boundaries, Ho Chi Minh City’s logistics industry is facing opportunities for remarkable development. Innovation and digital transformation are considered key factors, contributing to building a modern, sustainable and internationally integrated logistics ecosystem.

Conference scene.

On August 6, at the Ho Chi Minh City Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (SIHUB), the workshop “Promoting innovation in the post-merger logistics sector” gathered experts, managers and businesses. Opinions at the workshop unanimously agreed that digital transformation is a mandatory requirement and a vital factor for the logistics industry to make a breakthrough in the new context.

Post-merger logistics development opportunities

According to experts, the merger of Ho Chi Minh City with the two provinces of Binh Duong and Ba Ria - Vung Tau has opened up a large space for logistics service development, creating favorable conditions for more synchronous and strategic planning. Seaport areas, international airports and industrial parks are closely connected in a unified management system, forming a continuous logistics network, reducing transportation costs and travel time.

Mr. Le Van Danh, Deputy Director of the Department of Industry and Trade of Ho Chi Minh City said: “Instead of each province developing logistics separately, the merger helps form a 'super city' that can optimize infrastructure. Cai Mep - Thi Vai Port, the industrial park system in Binh Duong and the connecting traffic of Ho Chi Minh City will be linked more effectively, improving international competitiveness.”

According to Mr. Danh, synchronous logistics planning will help the city form key logistics centers, improve the capacity to supply and transit goods to serve both domestic and export markets.

 

Mr. Le Van Danh, Deputy Director of Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade shared at the workshop.

In the context of deep integration and strong development of e-commerce, the logistics industry is facing many new challenges. Digital transformation, optimizing operations and improving service quality have become urgent requirements.

Mr. Tran Trong Tuyen, Deputy Director of the Department of Science and Technology (KH&CN) of Ho Chi Minh City, commented: “The logistics industry of the city and the whole country is facing great opportunities and challenges. To stay ahead of new development trends, promoting innovation is no longer an option but a mandatory requirement.”

In response to practical requirements, SIHUB Ho Chi Minh City has launched a program to select innovative and start-up projects in the logistics sector. The program focuses on solving 5 major “problems” including: Building a shared data warehouse; developing a geographic information system (GIS); applying information and communication technology, digital transformation; logistics management in e-commerce; developing green and sustainable logistics.

Selected projects will receive support in incubation, product and business model improvement, investment connection, intellectual property consulting and other support services.

According to the planning orientation to 2030, Ho Chi Minh City aims to become an international logistics center. The project to develop the logistics industry to 2025, with a vision to 2030, was approved by the City People's Committee in Decision No. 4432/QD-UBND dated December 2, 2020, focusing on key tasks such as: Developing logistics infrastructure, reducing service costs, improving competitiveness and increasing the contribution to GRDP.

 

Along with that, the city implemented Plan No. 1831/KH-UBND dated June 6, 2022 on digital transformation of the logistics industry in the period of 2022 - 2025, with a vision to 2030. The key content of the plan is to build a digital logistics map, a centralized data warehouse and a multimodal transport service connection platform.

In addition, Plan No. 5276/KH-UBND dated September 9, 2024 on increasing investment in logistics infrastructure development has been issued to boost investment in logistics centers, warehouse systems, seaports and inter-regional traffic connections.

Mr. Danh affirmed: “The city will focus on developing large-scale logistics zones, leading the global supply chain. The formation of 5 free trade zones (FTZ) according to the plan will create new growth momentum for the city's socio-economy.”

Mr. Tran Trong Tuyen, Deputy Director of Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology, spoke at the workshop.

Business support and human resource development

The city also pays special attention to supporting startups in the logistics sector. According to a representative of SIHUB, startups participating in the program will be supported with workspace, intensive training, business model consulting and investor connections.

 

At the same time, the city also prioritizes the training and development of human resources. Ho Chi Minh City aims to become a center for training high-quality logistics human resources nationwide, meeting the requirements of developing modern logistics services.

Ms. Le Thi Thuy Trang, logistics training expert at ONEX Training, shared: “Human resources are the decisive factor for success in the process of digital transformation and innovation. The city needs to promote cooperation between businesses and training institutions to provide human resources suitable for reality.”

Vietnam logistics system. Screenshot

The city is also actively implementing regional linkage programs to promote cooperation between Ho Chi Minh City and provinces and cities in the Southern Key Economic Zone. Linking seaports, airports, logistics systems and distribution centers will create an efficient supply chain, enhancing regional competitiveness.

According to experts, Ho Chi Minh City possesses full potential to become an international logistics center thanks to its strategic location, diverse infrastructure system and favorable investment environment. However, to achieve this goal, there needs to be close coordination between departments, sectors, businesses and innovation support organizations.

Mr. Tuyen emphasized: “With the consensus and determination of the government, business community and related organizations, the city's logistics industry will have strong development steps in the coming time, making important contributions to the socio-economic development of the city and the southern region”.

 

According to VNA

Source: https://doanhnghiepvn.vn/cong-nghe/tp-ho-chi-minh-thuc-day-doi-moi-sang-tao-trong-logistics-hau-hop-nhat/20250807074444070