At VIR's Vietnam Logistics Summit 2024 themed "Transform to Breakthrough" on October 31.Yap Kwong Weng, CEO of Vietnam SuperPort, made a speech about the future of Vietnam's logistics industry, Adapting and growing in the global context.

Yap Kwong Weng, CEO of Vietnam SuperPort, photo: Vietnam SuperPort

According to Weng, geopolitical tensions have led to supply chain diversification towards Southeast Asia. Specifically, Southeast Asia has emerged as a top choice for businesses looking to diversify production away from China amid escalating tensions with the US. This has spurred greater investments in ASEAN; FDI into the ASEAN-6 economies rose to $236 billion in 2023 from an average of $190 billion between 2020 and 2022.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) flows into the region have been gaining traction, and Vietnam is leading the manufacturing and trade flow shifts. Vietnam’s share of exports accounts for more than 20 per cent of total Southeast Asia's exports to other regions, and is growing rapidly. In this context, Vietnam must speed up its logistics infrastructure to meet growing demand.

Vietnam SuperPort is strategically positioned to enhance accessibility through the multimodal approach, connecting Vietnam, China, and the ASEAN region. The port is well-positioned in the middle of the Economic Corridor (Kunming-Hanoi). To support Vietnam's burgeoning development, Vietnam SuperPort signed strategic MoUs with Vietnam Maritime Corporation, Vietnam Airlines, and Vietnam Railways Corporation to establish multimodal connectivity and increase capacities for trade flow.

"We are committed to working with partners to meet regional supply chain demands while ensuring resilience against disruptions," Weng said. "Vietnam SuperPort is integrated infrastructure across rail, road, air, and sea that is built for rapid expansion. The port is moving fast to meet surging regional demand and position Vietnam as a critical supply chain hub."

Vietnam SuperPort poised to elevate Vietnam's logistics capabilities. Photo: Vietnam SuperPort

In particular, the port is heavily investing in advanced digital solutions to optimise logistics, with the aim of transforming supply chains into a seamless, data-driven ecosystem. Vietnam SuperPort is bringing proven AI solutions from Singapore alongside other supply chain solutions, including automated storage retrieval systems, automated guided vehicles, autonomous inventory management, and autonomous mobile robots. It is also co-creating new technologies with world-class partners, such as warehouse robotics solutions, environmental, social, and governance management, and an integrated logistics marketplace.

By introducing advanced automation and efficiency, Vietnam SuperPort is integrating technologies to support Vietnam’s goal of creating a modern, sustainable, and efficient logistics service industry in 2025-2035.

Besides digital transformation, efforts are also made to promote green logistics. Vietnam SuperPort has a vision to become Southeast Asia’s first net-zero multimodal logistics port by 2040, integrating sustainability across a spectrum of operations. To facilitate the goal, the port will adopt sustainable practices to help Vietnam achieve the aim of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 43.5 per cent by 2030.

Weng concluded that, "Vietnam SuperPort helps cities and businesses grow without growing pains, including through its ASEAN know-how, connectivity, and resilience. With regards to cultural know-how, we offer tailored approaches for navigating ASEAN’s diverse regulatory landscapes and cultural nuances. Regarding multi-modal connectivity capabilities, we enhance access to competitive, cost-effective logistics solutions in Vietnam and across ASEAN."

"In terms of sustainability and tech implementation, Vietnam SuperPort leverages AI and sustainability technologies to boost efficiency, data flows, and stay ahead of the curve. Last but not least, we enable resilience by maintaining adaptability across operations to mitigate risk and ensure business continuity," he noted.