Logistics is an industry with great potential in Viet Nam. (Photo: HA ANH)

The development of logistics adds value to goods and services by optimising costs and increasing the speed of circulation, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of businesses and the economy as a whole. For this reason, logistics is regarded as a key service industry that supports, connects, and promotes socio-economic development nationwide. However, the industry continues to struggle with a significant shortage of human resources.

According to the Viet Nam Logistics Business Association (VLA), 50% of the more than 30,000 logistics enterprises in the country are looking to expand their workforce by 15–20%. Meanwhile, professionally trained personnel account for only about 5–7% of the sector's total labour force.

In reality, many university training programmes in Viet Nam are heavily theoretical and lack practical application in real-world logistics operations. There is also a notable shortage of logistics lecturers, with many coming from unrelated disciplines.

As a result, the quality of logistics human resource training fails to meet the recruitment needs of businesses and organisations. Many enterprises are forced to retrain new hires, which incurs significant time and financial costs.

It is clear that the training and improvement of logistics human resources is an urgent matter that requires greater attention. To address this issue, the government must continue to refine and supplement mechanisms and policies for developing logistics human resources in the new context. Educational institutions should develop standardised, modern logistics training programs and curricula aligned with international practices and the realities of Viet Nam’s logistics industry.

Experts recommend that domestic training institutions strengthen partnerships with international counterparts to access advanced, modern programmes. Teaching staff should gain more experience, especially from countries with well-developed logistics systems, to update and enhance their knowledge, gradually forming a team of leading logistics educators and researchers in Viet Nam. Schools should also collaborate with logistics businesses to design training programmes, research, and applications that meet the actual demands of the industry.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution is gradually transforming the entire logistics sector and global supply chains. In this context, the demand for high-quality human resources will continue to rise, placing new requirements on logistics training.

Logistics workers need in-depth knowledge of technology and the ability to effectively apply new technologies such as AI to manage equipment and operate systems efficiently. Only then can Viet Nam develop a skilled workforce capable of driving growth and enhancing the competitiveness of its logistics sector.