A driving force to become a regional growth pole

Alongside its traditional strengths in heritage, tourism, and education, Hue is now seen as a locality with major potential to develop its logistics industry, an increasingly essential foundation for many sectors in the era of global integration.

Located on the East–West Economic Corridor (EWEC) connecting Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar, Hue boasts the Chan May deep-water port, classified as a major general seaport of Viet Nam's grade one, the Phu Bai International Airport, direct access to the North–South Expressway, and a strategic plan for green, high-tech industrial parks.

According to Vo Dai Phong, Head of Container Operations at Chan May Port JSC, Hue could become a key distribution hub in the interregional logistics supply chain, provided it seizes the opportunity with a well-coordinated plan.

Le Anh Tuan, Director of the Hue Department of Construction, noted: “Although mechanisms for coordination in state management are in place, we need greater consistency in planning, resource allocation, and implementation to accelerate interregional infrastructure projects effectively.”

Hue could become a key distribution hub in the interregional logistics supply chain if it capitalises on opportunities and adopts a sound master plan.

Vo Dai Phong, Head of Container Operations, Chan May Port JSC.

The city’s development vision targets the formation of a “logistics triangle” linking Chan May Port, a central logistics hub, and Hue City itself. In this model, Chan May serves as the trading gateway, the logistics centre as the distribution node, and Hue as the source of skilled human resources and support infrastructure.

Despite its potential, Hue still lacks a comprehensive logistics development plan, has yet to establish a central logistics hub, and suffers from fragmented infrastructure. Warehouse and depot networks, shipping agents, and service providers remain incomplete, and the workforce is both undersized and insufficiently trained.

Phong stressed the need for a strategy worthy of a spearhead economic sector, including incorporating logistics development into Hue’s master plan to 2030, with a vision to 2050. This would require securing a sizable land reserve, around 300 to 500 hectares, for logistics centers, logistics-oriented industrial zones, and related real estate.

Hue has already identified potential sites near the port or major junctions to avoid high land clearance costs later. Delaying this, Phong warned, could make future acquisition far more difficult and squander strategic opportunities.

The Hue People’s Committee acknowledges that one major bottleneck is the absence of synchronised infrastructure connecting key functional zones. Completing ring roads and urban–port–industrial connectors remains a pressing challenge.

Le Van Tue, Head of the Management Board of Hue’s Industrial and Economic Zones, said: “The need to develop logistics is urgent. In 2025, we’ll focus on attracting investment in warehouses, rest stops, and parking areas for freight transport. At the same time, we’ll seek reputable, capable investors to complete the remaining port infrastructure at Chan May to meet future container demand.”

Currently, only about 855 students are enrolled in logistics programmes at the University of Economics under Hue University. Training remains disconnected from real-world practice, with limited cooperation with ports and logistics companies.

Phong proposed that students spend at least 20–30% of their study time training at ports or enterprises, and suggested that Hue aim to become a centre for developing specialized logistics software and high-skilled logistics personnel.

Given its role in regional and international connectivity, logistics should be recognised as a spearhead sector rather than merely a supporting industry. “The value of logistics lies in enhancing product value, optimising costs, and facilitating trade and production. If developed well, it could make a significant contribution to the city’s GRDP,” Phong emphasised.

Another key direction is to integrate logistics with tourism, leveraging Chan May’s status as a regular stop for international cruise ships. Hue should upgrade visitor facilities, promote its destinations, and create seamless service chains from port to city centre. Phong suggested learning from Cozumel, the largest island in Mexico’s Caribbean, known for its tourist experiences linked to port operations.

In terms of governance, Hue plans to establish dedicated logistics task forces to link sectors, coordinate policies, support investment, and resolve administrative bottlenecks.

Nguyen Van Phuong, Chairman of the Hue People’s Committee, noted: “Infrastructure in this area is becoming more systematically developed, with improved capacity and efficiency. The demand for development is becoming a clear strategic direction. After years of operating only at potential, the area is now much more viable, opening another important gateway for goods serving both production and trade.”

With its East–West gateway role, seaport and airport potential, expressway access, and determination to refine its planning, Hue has a strong chance to transform itself. With the right investment, logistics could become the driving force that propels the city to the status of a new economic and trade hub for central Viet Nam.

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