On 21 September, EuroCham Chairman Bruno Jaspaert attended the Regional Logistics Forum under the theme “Creating New Growth Space for Logistics in the Red River Delta Region”. Hosted by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the Hai Phong People’s Committee, the Forum brought together nearly 600 delegates, including representatives from central ministries and agencies, international organisations, domestic and international logistics associations, research institutes, universities, banks and financial institutions, as well as major corporations and businesses.
The Forum welcomed Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung, Secretary of the Hai Phong Party Committee and Head of the Hai Phong National Assembly Delegation Le Ngoc Chau, Chairman of the Hai Phong People’s Committee Do Thanh Trung, Deputy Head of the Central Policy and Strategy Commission Nguyen Ngoc Tuan, and VCCI Chairman Ho Sy Hung, among other distinguished delegates.
Red River Delta and Hai Phong’s Growth Priorities
In his opening remarks, VCCI Chairman Ho Sy Hung highlighted the Red River Delta’s strategic role as a gateway connecting northern Viet Nam with the rest of the country and international markets. The Forum focused on four key areas:
- Improving the business environment and reducing logistics costs
- Promoting green logistics and sustainable development
- Strengthening connectivity between logistics and key industries to build an integrated business ecosystem
- Leveraging free trade agreements to support Vietnamese businesses in deeper international integration
Secretary of the Hai Phong Party Committee Le Ngoc Chau outlined five key areas of focus for the city, including improving the investment and business environment; enhancing regional connectivity and international cooperation; developing strategic infrastructure and expanding development space; establishing logistics centres, free trade zones, economic and industrial zones, and deep-water ports; and developing a high-quality workforce capable of supporting digital transformation and international integration.
Hai Phong will also continue to strengthen its role as a key growth pole within the Hanoi–Hai Phong–Quang Ninh economic triangle, while enhancing connectivity with other localities in the region and with the Viet Nam–China, ASEAN and international economic corridors.
Logistics development is key to the region’s growth
In his keynote address, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung emphasised that logistics is no longer simply a supporting service sector, but an important component of economic infrastructure that directly contributes to the competitiveness of goods, businesses, and the national economy.
In implementing the “Strategy for the Development of Viet Nam’s Logistics Services for 2025–2035, with a Vision to 2050,” the Deputy Prime Minister called for five key priorities:
- Implementing the national logistics strategy with a clear focus on reducing logistics costs and improving competitiveness;
- Developing logistics infrastructure in an integrated manner with the transport system;
- Continuing to improve institutions, legislation and data connectivity and sharing;
- Developing modern, green and smart seaports;
- Shifting from an administrative-boundary-based approach towards logistics organised around economic regions, economic corridors and supply chains.
For the Red River Delta, the Deputy Prime Minister stressed the importance of strengthening regional planning, ensuring an appropriate distribution of production, and developing highly connected transport, urban, and logistics infrastructure.
In this framework, Hanoi will strengthen its role as a centre for services, consumption, finance, innovation, human resources development and aviation; Bac Ninh and Hung Yen will connect industrial production areas with import-export gateways; Ninh Binh will leverage its strengths in tourism and the marine economy; Quang Ninh will build on its advantages in border trade, the marine economy and international connectivity; while Hai Phong will continue to serve as a major maritime gateway and international logistics hub for northern Viet Nam.
The Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to further improving the regulatory framework, developing infrastructure and enhancing the investment and business environment, creating favourable conditions for businesses to make serious, long-term and sustainable investments in Viet Nam.
What this means for EuroCham members
The Red River Delta, spanning Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Hung Yen, Ninh Binh, Quang Ninh and Hai Phong, has long played a significant role in Vietnam’s economy. With greater government focus on regional connectivity, logistics infrastructure and the investment environment, the region is set to become increasingly important for businesses looking to invest, expand and strengthen their supply chains.
EuroCham has been actively supporting businesses across the region, including through seminars and field trips in each locality to give members first-hand insights into emerging opportunities. We will continue to accompany both the Government and business community in promoting prosperous and sustainable growth across the region.
