The International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) has pledged to work with and help transform Hanoi into a world-class logistics ecosystem based on sustainability, innovation and digital transformation, said President Turgut Erkeskin today (October 6).

At a meeting with Hanoi authorities, Erkeskin hailed Hanoi as a dynamic city with strong potential to develop logistics that supports trade and helps businesses connect efficiently within supply chains.

Hanoi leaders, FIATA representatives, and VLA delegates pose for a group photo after the meeting. Photos: Hoang Nam/The Hanoi Times 

The president said that logistics is a key pillar of any economy and ensuring security, safety and international compliance is vital for the sector’s growth.

"FIATA is ready to cooperate with Hanoi through training, policy consultation and digital initiatives," said Erkeskin.

"Hanoi has both the vision and foundation to become a multimodal logistics hub for the Indochina subregion,” he said, welcoming the city’s forward-looking ideas for enhancing logistics facilities.

Erkeskin noted that FIATA will share international experience in modern logistics management and support Hanoi in training human resources and establishing standards aligned with global practices.

Chairman of the Vietnam Logistics Business Association (VLA) Dao Trong Khoa agreed, saying the Vietnam Logistics Research and Development Institute (VLI) is implementing FIATA-authorized training programs on international freight forwarding and supply chain management.

He said that the institute stands ready to assist localities and enterprises in capacity building and professional development. The institute has supported logistics development projects in Ho Chi Minh City, the northern pot city of Haiphong and the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai.

“VLA and VLI are committed to working closely with FIATA and international experts to help Hanoi implement its logistics plan,” said Khoa.

According to Institute Director Ho Thi Thu Hoa, Vietnam’s logistics sector is entering a period of strong growth. The World Bank’s 2023 Logistics Performance Index ranked Vietnam 43rd globally and fourth in ASEAN.

“The fact shows the country’s growing capability to deliver efficient logistics services,” she said.

Hoa noted that Hanoi plays an increasingly vital role, accounting for 16% of all logistics firms nationwide with over 7,400 companies in operation.

The sector has become one of Hanoi’s fastest-growing industries, contributing significantly to its 7.63% GRDP growth in the first half of 2025, she said.

Hanoi’s ambitious mega project

With 155,000 operating businesses, including 29,000 new enterprises established in 2024 alone, Hanoi grows as a strategic destination for supply chain investment and innovation.

Vice Chairman Nguyen Manh Quyen presents a souvenir to FIATA President Turgut Erkeskin.

Its geographical traits such as being located in the heart of northern Vietnam reshape the city’s economic landscape to capture a larger share of regional trade.

Therefore, the logistics sector has become one of the city’s most dynamic drivers of growth, reflecting its strategic position and expanding industrial base.

To foster comprehensive socio-economic growth, Hanoi mulls an ambitious plan to develop key logistics hubs around the city and make it the logistics center of northern Vietnam.

Major projects include the 34-hectare Phu Dong International Container Port in Gia Lam Commune, the 50-hectare Soc Son Logistics Center near Noi Bai International Airport, the 22-hectare Phu Xuyen-Thuong Tin Logistics Center and the 10-hectare Ngoc Hoi Freight Terminal in Thanh Tri Commune.

The Noi Bai International Airport remains a driving force in this plan. The airport now handles over 300,000 tons of cargo annually and is set to reach 1.58 million tons by 2025. It is being upgraded to manage high-value, time-sensitive and cross-border e-commerce goods, making it a vital link in the regional air freight network.

These hubs will serve domestic and international routes with multimodal connections by road, rail, air and sea. Upgraded expressways and ring roads will help shorten transport time between industrial zones and major gateways such as Haiphong Port.

Representatives from Hanoi’s departments of Industry and Trade, Planning and Architecture and Finance also discussed future cooperation with FIATA in green transport, digital data systems, urban logistics planning and manpower training.

They saw their partnerships with FIATA as ways to improve coordination between infrastructure projects and global freight network demands.

Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Nguyen Manh Quyen said that logistics is one of the city’s four key service sectors, along with tourism, information technology and finance.

“Hanoi aims to become a national and regional logistics hub linking major economic corridors such as China-ASEAN and the East-West Economic Corridor,” he said.

Quyen added that the city’s logistics strategy focuses on stronger connectivity, higher efficiency and greater competitiveness.

“Hanoi seeks to be the main gateway for trade and supply chain services in northern Vietnam while linking regional markets through improved transport and coordination,” he said.