On December 2, the Ministry of Industry and Trade coordinated with the People's Committee of Can Tho City to successfully organized the Vietnam Logistics Forum (VLF) 2023 with the theme "Logistics and digital transformation in the Mekong Delta".

The Vietnam Logistics Forum is an annual event organized by the Ministry of Industry and Trade since 2013 to promote the development of logistics services, connecting them with production and import/export. It also provides a platform for updating information on critical logistics issues in Vietnam and globally.

Following the success of the previous Forum, in 2023 Mr. Tran Tuan Anh, Member of Political Bureau and Head of the Central Economic Commission, attended and directed the Forum.

This year's Vietnam Logistics Forum was held in the context of many important changes. The implementation of bilateral and multilateral Free trade agreements (FTAs) requires businesses to improve their competitiveness. While the COVID-19 pandemic has been controlled, its residual effects, along with the war in Ukraine, continue to pose challenges for the economy, including supply chain disruptions and reduced demand for goods. These factors have had a significant impact on both businesses in general and logistics service providers in particular.

In addition to the macro issues discussed in the Plenary Session, the Thematic session also took place on the same afternoon with the theme "Promoting the application of digital technology in logistics, creating a breakthrough for Mekong Delta logistics". This session provided a platform for delegates to exchange valuable ideas, initiatives, experiences, solutions, and new technologies, ultimately contributing to cost reduction, optimization of logistics activities, and the advancement of digital transformation within businesses.

Participating in the Thematic session, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Binh - General Director of Gemadept Corporation (Stock code: GMD) talked about the Company’s digital transformation process as well as the opportunities and challenges Gemadept faced during the process.

“Digital transformation is a complex, challenging, and lengthy process. In addition to meeting the current and future needs of customers, partners, and stakeholders, a clear vision and direction are crucial for success. Gemadept is in the early stages of its digital transformation journey and has already implemented applications such as SmartPort, RiverGate, and SmartGate,” Mr. Nguyen Thanh Binh explained.

A pioneer in the seaport field, Gemadept's Smart Port application deployed across its port system boasts the comprehensive features of an E-port, encompassing Direct Order registration, online payment, electronic documents, E-DO, E-Gate, integrated multi-port data lookup, and automatic, high-speed operation. Leveraging SmartPort's advanced data analytics capabilities and its modern, highly automated facilities, the Gemadept ecosystem delivers ever-faster services, enhanced accuracy, and maximum cost savings to the Vietnamese logistics market, contributing significantly to the greening of the supply chain within Vietnam.

Building on the success of the SmartPort project, Gemadept, in collaboration with CEH-VSL, has officially launched its SmartGate application. Developed through extensive research and incorporating valuable customer feedback, SmartGate not only automates port delivery and operations, but also connects stakeholders across the logistics supply chain, including ports, shipping lines, ICD/Depots, transportation businesses, import/export companies, and drivers. This seamless integration optimizes container transport operations, facilitates freight consolidation, promotes digital order exchange, and reduces waste and logistics costs.

The leader of the Import-Export Department also stated that logistics is a service industry spanning many fields and areas, requiring a large level of technology application. Digital transformation is an inevitable trend and will empower logistics service businesses to enhance productivity, service quality and efficiency, ultimately boosting their domestic and international competitiveness.

The Vietnam Logistics Forum 2023 serves as a vital bridge connecting businesses in the logistics sector with government agencies, departments, customers, and partners. This platform empowers businesses to identify the most effective strategies and actively contribute to developing state legal mechanisms and policies specific to the logistics industry. Additionally, it provides state management agencies with valuable insights, enabling them to promptly issue policies that address the practical needs of Vietnam's evolving logistics landscape.