Promoting digital transformation and green transformation: A "Leverage" for modernizing Vietnam's logistics industry

To concretize the Vietnam Logistics Services Development Strategy, the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Science and Technology have agreed on a cooperation roadmap focusing on applied research, mastering high technology, and building a digital data ecosystem.

On the afternoon of April 23, 2026, at the Ministry of Science and Technology, a delegation from the Agency of Foreign Trade (Ministry of Industry and Trade), led by Deputy Director General Tran Thanh Hai, held a working session with specialized units of the Ministry of Science and Technology: the National Digital Transformation Agency, the Agency for Startup and Technology Enterprises, the Department of Digital Economy and Society, the Department of Science, Technology and Engineering, the Department of Post, and the National Standards, Metrology, and Quality Committee.

Mr. Tran Thanh Hai, Deputy Director General of the Agency of Foreign Trade (Ministry of Industry and Trade), stated that the working session aimed to discuss implementation plans for the Prime Minister's Decision No. 2229/QD-TTg on the Strategy for Developing Vietnam's Logistics Services for the period 2025 - 2035, with a vision to 2050. It also sought to consolidate coordination focal points following the merger of several units from the Ministry of Information and Communications into the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Decision No. 2229/QD-TTg mandates the synchronous implementation of various solution groups, including accelerating research, innovation, digital transformation, and green transformation in the logistics sector. The focus is on promoting linkages with major international logistics enterprises to master high technologies, establish strong research centers, and develop route optimization and process automation solutions to reduce costs and shorten administrative procedures.

The Strategy also requires the development of a technology market, database systems, and a network of intermediary organizations to support businesses. Additionally, the modernization of the customs system on a digital platform, the development of green logistics, and ensuring standards for carbon neutrality and emission reduction are prioritized. Simultaneously, it emphasizes the development of in-house logistics, reverse logistics, and guiding changes in international trade behavior through the connection between shippers and service providers.

Within the framework of the Decision, the Ministry of Science and Technology is assigned to lead the review and improvement of national and international standards and regulations in logistics activities; develop the logistics service technology market, form a network of intermediary organizations for the science and technology market, and establish technology database systems to support logistics service enterprises. Furthermore, it is tasked with coordinating with relevant ministries and sectors to develop Digital Transformation Programs and Green Transformation Programs in the logistics sector.

Contributing their opinions, representatives from the National Digital Transformation Agency affirmed their readiness to provide technical consultation on ICT architecture frameworks and digital services for the Ministry of Industry and Trade. The Department of Digital Economy and Society also stated that it had integrated content on end-to-end logistics system optimization, digital transformation of supply chains, and free trade zone models into the draft National Digital Economy Program 2026-2030, which has been submitted to the Prime Minister. Regarding implementation, the Agency for Startup and Technology Enterprises proposed leading initiatives on standards and regulations in the form of Circulars and building a technology supply-demand connection platform for the 2026-2030 period with an ASEAN regional vision.

From a technical perspective, the National Standards, Metrology, and Quality Committee noted the need to clarify the scope of "leading" in developing technical regulations, which primarily falls under the responsibility of specialized ministries, and proposed focusing on the "application" of international standards. The Department of Science, Technology and Engineering also contributed by emphasizing the need to clearly define the nature of action programs and consider the feasibility of establishing strong research organizations in the practical context. Delegates agreed that a logistics technology market could only be formed by ensuring a balance between supply and demand.

Both sides agreed that the Department of Post would advise the leadership of the Ministry of Science and Technology to issue an Action Plan for implementing the Strategy for Developing Vietnam's Logistics Services, while the National Standards, Metrology, and Quality Committee would compile the current status of standards in the logistics sector for inclusion in the Vietnam Logistics Report 2026.

The Agency of Foreign Trade will provide ministerial and local implementation plans to ensure synchronous coordination, and invite representatives from the Ministry of Science and Technology to participate in specialized technology forums. In the coming period, the coordination mechanism will focus on mobilizing resources from institutes, universities, and businesses, with state agencies playing a coordinating role, setting objectives, and integrating logistics content into the process of amending relevant legal documents such as the Postal Law.