[Research Contribution] The current situation and development trends of green logistics toward enhancing international trade efficiency in Southeast Vietnam

Keywords: Green logistics; Green transportation; International trade; Southeast region; Sustainable development; Multimodal transportation; Logistics infrastructure.

Every day, millions of orders are shipped to serve e-commerce and import-export activities. But behind the increasingly fast delivery speeds lies the growing environmental pressure from emissions, fossil fuels, and traffic congestion. As the demand for transportation continues to increase, logistics is no longer just a matter of cost or speed, but is becoming a question of sustainable development.

In that context, a group of students from the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) conducted a study titled “The current situation and development trends of green logistics toward enhancing international trade efficiency in Southeast Vietnam” to analyze the current state of green logistics in the Southeast region and propose solutions for sustainable logistics development in the context of increasingly expanding international trade.

According to the Industry and Trade Magazine (Vietnam Magazine), there is a significant difference in CO2 emissions among the various modes of transport. While air transport emits up to 602g of CO2 per ton-km, road transport emits 62g, and rail and water transport are at significantly lower levels. This shows that the choice of transportation mode not only affects logistics costs but also has a direct impact on the environment. Therefore, the trend of combining multimodal transport, shifting to rail and waterway transport, or applying green logistics is increasingly being seen as an important solution to reduce emissions and enhance sustainability in international trade.

So, how is green logistics changing international trade?

First, the efficiency of logistics today is no longer just about delivery speed but also about the level of environmental impact. Research shows that transportation methods such as air and road generate much higher CO2 emissions compared to rail or water transport. This has led to an increasing focus on multimodal transport trends and the shift toward low-emission methods, especially in the context of countries and businesses facing pressure for sustainable development.

Secondly, green logistics is not simply about replacing transport vehicles with electric ones or using clean fuels. According to the group of authors, this is an ecosystem that includes many activities such as optimizing warehouses, using recycled packaging, reducing empty runs, and applying digital technology to logistics management. The replacement of paper documents with electronic systems or the optimization of transportation routes is also considered important solutions to reduce resource waste and enhance operational efficiency.

Thirdly, the Southeast region possesses many advantages to become Vietnam's green logistics center thanks to its developed system of seaports, airports, industrial zones, and import-export activities. However, research also indicates that this area still has many "bottlenecks" such as non-synchronized traffic infrastructure, heavy reliance on road transport, and prolonged congestion. This not only increases logistics costs but also exacerbates environmental pressure in the area.

What solutions are there for green logistics to not just remain a trend?

From the research results, the authors believe that the Southeast region needs to prioritize the development of a more synchronized and sustainable logistics infrastructure system, particularly by enhancing connections between road, rail, and waterway transport. Reducing dependence on road transport not only helps alleviate traffic congestion but also contributes to limiting CO2 emissions in freight transportation activities.

In addition, the study also proposes to further promote the application of digital technology and digital transformation in logistics, from warehouse management, optimizing transportation routes to using electronic information systems instead of paper documents. According to the group of authors, this is one of the important solutions that help businesses both optimize operational costs and reduce resource waste in the long term.

In addition, the research team believes that the process of greening logistics will be difficult to achieve if it solely depends on businesses. The government needs to implement additional policies to support green transportation, clean energy, and the development of sustainable logistics infrastructure, while also raising awareness among businesses and consumers about the role of green logistics in international trade.

The research paper has indirectly contributed to SDG 9, 11, and 13. View the full research paper “The current situation and development trends of green logistics toward enhancing international trade efficiency in Southeast Vietnam” HERE

The author: Cao Yen Nhi - University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City.

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More Information:

SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure aims to build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization, and encourage innovation. This goal goes beyond advancing technology and production; it also includes narrowing infrastructure access gaps between regions, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, and applying technology to enhance global competitiveness.

SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities seeks to develop urban areas and communities that are resilient, safe, and sustainable by improving living environments, managing waste effectively, and ensuring access to basic services for all citizens. A sustainable city is not only about physical infrastructure but also about raising awareness and shaping residents’ behavior to protect their shared environment.

SDG 13 – Climate Action calls for urgent measures to combat climate change and its adverse impacts by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing adaptive capacity, and raising public awareness. This goal goes beyond national-level policies and requires changes in individual and community behaviors in daily life, especially in areas directly linked to waste generation and management.

News, photos: UEH Green Campus Project, UEH Youth Union - Student Association, UEH Communications and Partnership Development Department

Voiceover: Thanh Kieu