Hanoi (VNA) – As the global economy shifts towards sustainability, businesses are increasingly focusing on green logistics to meet consumer demand for environmentally friendly products, experts say.
Green logistics aims to reduce transportation costs and increase supply chain efficiency by optimizing delivery routes and minimizing empty or partially loaded trucks on the road. According to Tran Thanh Hai, Deputy Director General of the Agency of Foreign Trade under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), the logistics industry in Vietnam has seen continued growth, driven by the country’s expanding export market, which includes major exports such as rice, coffee, textiles, footwear, phones, and components. This expansion has led to increased demand for international and domestic transport and distribution services.
However, Vietnam’s logistics sector faces significant challenges, particularly due to an imbalance in transportation infrastructure. Road transport, which predominates over air, rail, and water transport, contributes disproportionately to greenhouse gas emissions. Road transport emissions are 21.95 times higher than those from air transport, 19.94 times higher than maritime transport, and 245.49 times higher than rail transport. According to the World Bank, transportation activities in Vietnam emit over 50 million tonnes of CO2 annually, with road transport accounting for 85% of the total emissions. This figure is projected to increase by 6-7% annually, potentially reaching 90 million tonnes by 2030.
Hai emphasized that green logistics is not just a trend but an essential requirement for businesses moving forward. However, many businesses face barriers in transitioning to greener logistics due to a lack of awareness and limited financial resources. Despite growing demand for environmentally friendly solutions, customers often hesitate to pay premium prices for sustainable logistics services.
Luong Hoang Thai, Director of the Multilateral Trade Policy Department at MoIT, noted that the concept of green logistics is still not fully understood in many developing economies, including Vietnam. He stressed that improving understanding of green logistics could enhance competitiveness and help businesses build stronger brands while contributing to sustainable development.
Ngo Khac Le, Deputy Secretary General of the Vietnam Logistics Business Association, warned that businesses that fail to adopt green logistics practices risk becoming irrelevant and losing access to domestic and global trade opportunities. Le called for continued communication efforts and the involvement of government and regulatory agencies to support businesses in this transition.
Le also suggested that businesses should leverage inland waterways and maritime transportation to increase cargo volumes and reduce emissions from road vehicles. He encouraged domestic companies to accelerate innovation and digital transformation while implementing green logistics strategies in import and export activities.
Regarding Vietnam’s green action plan for 2030, Hai recommended that businesses adopt standards to reduce transportation emissions, transition to clean energy, and use environmentally friendly vehicles and warehouses. He emphasized the importance of improving fuel quality management, emissions standards, and transport infrastructure, as well as enhancing multi-modal transport connectivity.
Hai also advocated for the promotion of digital governance in logistics and the development of a logistics database, which could support the transition to sustainable logistics practices in the country.
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