Reducing logistics costs, boosting Vietnamese goods in the EU market

The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Saigon Newport Corporation and Gothenburg Port aims to reduce logistics costs and product prices, facilitating the entry of Vietnamese goods into the EU market.

Mr. Bùi Văn Quỳ, Chairman of the Southeast Asian Ports Association and Deputy General Director of Saigon Newport Corporation, shared insights on this topic with Cong Thuong newspaper.

As one of Vietnam’s largest seaports, what are the strengths of Saigon Newport Corporation that position it as a key partner of Gothenburg Port, one of the largest ports in Northern Europe?

Saigon Newport Corporation operates 28 port facilities and logistics infrastructure across the country. Notably, Saigon Newport is the only port operator with deep-water ports in both the North and the South, directly connecting to the Americas and Europe. Our exported goods reach over 200 countries and territories, with connections to more than 150 shipping lines and agents worldwide, and over 40,000 partners, customers, and import-export businesses.

With an annual cargo handling capacity of up to 10 million TEUs, Saigon Newport Corporation controls over 92% of the Southern market share and nearly 56% of Vietnam’s total container throughput via seaports. The total container volume handled by ports within the Saigon Newport system ranks 17th in the world’s top 20 container port clusters.

It is known that Gothenburg Port and Saigon Newport Corporation have signed a cooperation MOU. What are your expectations for this collaboration in the near future?

During an official visit to Sweden and Finland, on September 4, 2024, the delegation from Haiphong City, led by Vice Chairman Lê Khắc Nam, worked with Gothenburg Port, the largest seaport in Northern Europe, to strengthen cooperation in logistics.

This meeting aligns with both sides’ vision to enhance cooperation in port operations and logistics, enabling Vietnamese goods, particularly from Haiphong, to enter the Nordic markets more directly, boosting import-export volumes. Following this, on September 6, during the Vietnam-Sweden Business Forum, Saigon Newport Corporation and Gothenburg Port signed an MOU. Saigon Newport’s nationwide network includes two deep-water port clusters with direct shipping services from Haiphong (TC-HICT) and Cai Mep to the Americas and Europe. We see this as a significant opportunity for shipping lines to establish direct services to Gothenburg Port, Sweden, in the near future.

With this MOU, how will Vietnamese exports to Northern Europe and Europe benefit?

The MOU between Haiphong City, Saigon Newport Corporation, and Gothenburg Port will promote market development, exchange experiences in port operations, especially in digital transformation, green transition, sustainable development, and human resources training for the port operations, logistics services, and supply chains.

The two sides will coordinate to explore cooperation with major European shipping lines that have direct routes to Vietnam, working to establish direct maritime routes between Vietnam and Sweden and the broader Nordic region. This would reduce logistics costs, lower product prices, and speed up transportation times, offering more diverse products. As a result, Vietnamese goods, particularly from Haiphong, will enter the Nordic market more directly, increasing import-export turnover.

What measures will Saigon Newport Corporation take to implement the MOU?

To realize the MOU’s goals, Saigon Newport Corporation and Gothenburg Port will establish a “Joint Action Team” composed of members from both sides. This team will work regularly, setting clear objectives and timelines to coordinate with international shipping lines such as CMA, HAPAG LLOYD, MAERSK, MSC, and large import-export companies.

Additionally, Saigon Newport Corporation will closely collaborate with the People’s Committees of Haiphong and Ho Chi Minh City, especially with the Departments of Industry and Trade in these cities, to organize workshops and forums related to Vietnam-Sweden import-export. We will also form working groups between the two countries to exchange knowledge on green transformation and digital transition from Gothenburg Port and apply them to Saigon Newport’s port system in Vietnam.

Thank you!

The MOU signing ceremony between Saigon Newport Corporation and Gothenburg Port was held on September 6 as part of the Vietnam-Sweden Forum. This event, organized by the Embassy of Vietnam in Sweden, in collaboration with the Vietnam Trade Office in Sweden and FPT Corporation, marked the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Sweden.