Towards a greener and more sustainable logistics system

Recently, the Department of Industry and Trade of Haiphong and Gothenburg Port signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on cooperation in seaport and logistics.

Cong Thuong newspaper conducted an interview with Mr. Nguyễn Văn Thành, Director of the Department of Industry and Trade of Haiphong, regarding this matter.

Could you share some insights into Haiphong’s advantages in the seaport and logistics sector?

Haiphong is located in the Red River Delta, near the East Sea, which provides favorable conditions for international trade and connections to Vietnam’s key economic regions such as Hanoi, Quang Ninh, and Thai Binh. The city’s proximity to the Chinese border also expands its logistics and transportation network.

Regarding logistics infrastructure, Haiphong is the only city in Vietnam with all five modes of transportation: road, rail, inland waterways, sea, and air, all of which are well-connected to neighboring areas.

In terms of seaports, Haiphong has a significant advantage, being home to the largest port system in northern Vietnam, with important ports such as Haiphong Port, Dinh Vu Port, and Lach Huyen Port. Lach Huyen Port is one of the 20 deep-water ports globally, providing direct connections to the Americas and Europe without needing transshipment through third-country ports. This minimizes logistics costs and time, while the port can accommodate large vessels up to 160,000 tons. The container terminal at Lach Huyen is being further developed and will be able to handle ships up to 200,000 DWT.

Currently, Haiphong boasts numerous industrial zones and large economic areas, such as the Dinh Vu-Cat Hai Economic Zone, Nomura Industrial Park, and VSIP Haiphong, which foster the growth of the logistics industry by combining production and transportation.

How do you assess Sweden’s strengths in the seaport and logistics sectors?

Sweden holds many advantages in the seaport and logistics sectors. Strategically located in Northern Europe with a long coastline along the Baltic Sea, Sweden benefits from maritime trade with neighboring Nordic countries, mainland Europe, and Russia.

Sweden also has several important and modern seaports, such as Gothenburg, Stockholm, and Malmö. Notably, Gothenburg is Sweden’s largest port and one of the largest container ports in Northern Europe. It plays a crucial role in positioning Sweden as a key hub for connecting large European markets through international sea routes.

Furthermore, Sweden possesses a modern and synchronized transport system, including road, rail, waterways, and seaports, which are tightly connected. This optimizes the supply chain and minimizes transportation time and costs.

Sweden is also known for leading in technology and digitalization in logistics and supply chain management. Its port and transportation management systems are integrated with smart technology, enhancing operational efficiency.

For many years, Sweden has emphasized sustainable development in logistics by investing in green transportation solutions such as biofuels, electrified transport, and carbon emission reduction projects.

During the series of events marking 55 years of Vietnam-Sweden relations, an MOU between the Haiphong Department of Industry and Trade and Gothenburg Port will be signed. Could you share more about the details of this cooperation?

The Haiphong Department of Industry and Trade and Gothenburg Port signed an MOU to cooperate in developing and expanding logistics activities, aiming to build a complete, standardized supply chain and improve the efficiency of goods import-export operations between the two sides. Specifically, both parties will collaborate to share ideas and best practices, especially in the digitalization of logistics and solutions aimed at creating a greener and more sustainable logistics system.

What steps will the Haiphong Department of Industry and Trade take to implement the MOU in the near future?

Overall, the cooperation between Sweden and Haiphong in the seaport and logistics sectors can bring substantial benefits to both sides, from enhancing logistics system efficiency and sharing technology and management experience to developing sustainable green logistics.

In the coming period, the Haiphong Department of Industry and Trade will actively organize workshops and trade promotion programs, allowing Haiphong businesses to connect with European and Nordic markets via Gothenburg Port.

At the same time, this will help businesses in Gothenburg and Sweden expand their presence not only in Vietnam but also in other ASEAN countries, a region with great economic potential due to its large population and strong growth.

The Department will also coordinate with Gothenburg Port to explore the establishment of new logistics routes, reducing transportation costs and delivery times, thus increasing the international competitiveness of both Haiphong and Gothenburg Port.

Additionally, we will study Gothenburg Port’s experience and solutions in developing a green and sustainable logistics system, including the use of renewable energy and carbon emission reduction technology in freight transport. Through this collaboration, we aim to apply these practices in Haiphong and across Vietnam, gradually establishing a green logistics system as an international standard.

We will also study the modern port management solutions from Gothenburg, particularly in automation and digital technology application in logistics. Strengthening cooperation and importing advanced port management and logistics technologies from Sweden will be key.

Moreover, we will look into investment opportunities for infrastructure projects, such as expanding seaports and building international-scale logistics centers in Haiphong. With Haiphong’s rapid economic development, the demand for high-quality logistics services will increase, creating lucrative investment opportunities for Swedish investors.

Thank you!

The signing ceremony of the MOU between the Haiphong Department of Industry and Trade and Gothenburg Port took place on September 6, as part of the Vietnam-Sweden Forum, which was held to mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Sweden. The event was organized by the Embassy of Vietnam in Sweden, in collaboration with the Trade Office and FPT Corporation.