Australian businesses express optimism about cooperation opportunities in Vietnam’s logistics sector

The Sixth Regional Logistics Forum, held in Hue, brought together over 500 delegates from government, industry, and international chambers to explore the future of logistics in Vietnam’s North Central and Central Coastal regions. The event underscored the region’s potential to become a strategic logistics hub, but also highlighted the pressing challenges that must be addressed to unlock growth.

Representing the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (AusCham), Board Member and Central Region Representative Roderick Glass joined the forum to advocate for deeper collaboration between Vietnamese and Australian enterprises in logistics, infrastructure, and innovation.

“Vietnam’s central corridor is not just a geographic bridge. It’s a gateway to ASEAN and beyond. Australian businesses bring decades of expertise in supply chain resilience, green logistics, and port development. We see enormous potential for partnership here”, said Mr. Glass.

AusCham Vietnam has long championed regional development, particularly in logistics and infrastructure. The Forum’s emphasis on green logistics, digital transformation, and cross-border trade aligns closely with AusCham’s priorities, like Green Logistics: Encouraging sustainable practices and carbon-conscious transport solutions; Digital Integration: Promoting smart logistics platforms and data-driven supply chain management and Cross-Border Trade: Supporting streamlined customs procedures and regional connectivity, especially with Laos and Thailand.

However, Mr. Glass noted, the business community voiced several critical barriers to doing business in Central Vietnam, issues that AusCham echoes and urges provincial authorities to address:

First, administrative burden & import costs. Companies cited excessive paperwork and opaque procedures for importing goods, which increase costs and delay operations. Streamlining customs and reducing red tape is essential to attract foreign investment and improve supply chain efficiency.

Second, limited scope of free trade zones. The current limitations on sourcing materials from overseas within bonded zones restrict manufacturing flexibility. Expanding the scope and accessibility of free trade zones would allow businesses to better integrate into global supply chains and meet production demands.

Mr. Glass emphasized that resolving these issues is not just about improving logistics—it’s about unlocking the full economic potential of the region. “Hue and the surrounding provinces have the assets and ambition. What’s needed now is policy clarity, infrastructure investment, and a business-friendly environment that supports international standards,” he noted.

Hue was spotlighted as a future logistics powerhouse, with strategic assets like Phu Bai International Airport and Chan May deep-water port. The regional master plan envisions Hue as a green logistics center, integrated with national and international supply chains. But realizing this vision will require coordinated efforts between government and industry.

As Vietnam prepares to host the FIATA World Congress in October 2025, AusCham Vietnam is actively engaging with stakeholders to ensure Australian expertise is part of the conversation. The Chamber continues to support initiatives that foster innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth across Vietnam’s logistics landscape.