After 30 years of conversion, the legal framework for logistics has been gradually improved, the logistics infrastructure system has been improved and the number of companies involved in logistics is increasing. Gradually increase competitiveness and actively contribute to supporting production and business, domestic movement of goods and import and export.

In the past year 2021, the logistics index of the Vietnamese market has improved by three places compared to the ranking of 2020 and ranks 8th among the top 10 countries.

According to statistics, the total import and export turnover of Vietnam in the first 10 months of 2022 was about 617 billion USD, an increase of about 15% compared to the same period in 2021.

This is a very large volume of imports and exports, to which logistics services make a positive and very important contribution. Despite the difficulties caused by the impact of Covid-19, our companies have overcome the difficulties and have grown step by step.

Compared to countries in the region such as the Philippines, Malaysia, Laos and Cambodia, the capacity and ability of Vietnamese companies to engage in import-export and logistics activities is very large. This is one of the remarkable achievements reflected in our import and export performances in the past period.

However, at the symposium “Cost Optimization with the Logistics Center and Circular Economy”, Deputy Director of the Import-Export Department of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Mr. Tran Quoc Toan admitted that, looking ahead to future development, our logistics service industry still has some limitations, that must be overcome

That is, the cost of logistics services in our country is still quite high compared to some countries in the world. Service quality and professionalism are not high, and there is still a lack of pioneering companies that are making strong inroads into the international market.

In addition, the application of science and technology, the level of logistics resources and investment capital are still limited. The trade and transport infrastructure does not yet correspond to the development of the logistics service industry.

On the other hand, pollution and CO2 emissions are increasing, climate change is getting worse, the intersectoral coordination mechanism in logistics is sometimes not effective and synchronous.

Not only that, according to Mr. Toan, in recent years the world in general and Vietnam in particular has experienced many synergistic effects of unprecedented proportions due to the effects of the Covid-19 epidemic, climate change, etc. The post- global climate, political conflicts in some countries and the depletion of natural resources, the aging of the population… all of these leave enormous, complex consequences not only today, but also for generations in the future.

The resolution of the 13th National Party Congress recently reaffirmed the policy of continuing the country’s rapid and sustainable development, ensuring macroeconomic stability, thoroughly overhauling the growth model, increasing productivity, quality, efficiency and competitiveness of the economy.

Adapting actively and effectively to climate change, managing, exploiting and using natural resources rationally, economically, efficiently and sustainably… Protecting human habitation and health is a daily goal. Resolutely eliminate polluting projects, ensure environmental quality, protect biodiversity and ecosystems, build green economy, circular economy and be environmentally friendly…

At the same time, it approved the 10-year socio-economic development strategy for the period from 2021 to 2030, directions and tasks for socio-economic development in the five years from 2021 to 2025, which highlighted the content of accelerating the restructuring of industries based on modern technology, digital technology based, developing new types of services, building ecosystems and providing services in the fields of finance, banking, insurance, law, etc. Healthcare, education and training, telecommunications and information technology, logistics and distribution.

As part of the Industrial Revolution 4.0 with the goal of 2030, Vietnam is becoming a quasi-industrial country towards modernity, global value chains have increased the pressure on the environment and the use of science and technology.

“More than ever, we must unite and work together to balance the urgent need for economic recovery with the requirements, while ensuring the goal of modernization, economic development and sustainable development of the economy, strengthening the environment and the Strengthening ability to respond to climate change in the post-Covid-19 era… are important and urgent goals that need to be resolved soon to ensure their contribution to the development of a green economy in the coming period,” stressed Mr. Toan.

Therefore, companies, experts and government administrations need to discuss to find cost optimization solutions with logistic centers and circular economy.