Three major logistics associations from Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong, and Ba Ria–Vung Tau have officially merged, marking a significant milestone expected to generate new momentum, enhance competitiveness, and promote regional integration in Southern Vietnam’s logistics network.
The merger led to the establishment of the Ho Chi Minh City Logistics and Port Association (HLA) – the first and only association in Vietnam that combines both the logistics and seaport sectors.
Vietnam’s First Unified Logistics & Port Association
On October 31, the Binh Duong Logistics Association, the Ba Ria–Vung Tau Logistics and Port Association, and the Ho Chi Minh City Logistics Association officially united to form the HLA.
At the inaugural congress, Ms. Dang Thi Minh Phuong, CEO of MP Logistics, was elected President of the new association.
The leadership board includes seven Vice Presidents representing leading enterprises and organizations in Vietnam’s logistics and port ecosystem, such as Tan Cang–Cai Mep International Terminal (TCIT), Becamex IDC, Gemadept – Terminal Link, BW Industrial, ABA Cooltrans, and Sai Gon Port.
The unification reflects a collective vision to elevate logistics services and develop the HCMC seaport system toward greater synchronization, modernization, and regional integration.
Driving the Formation of a Unified Logistics Ecosystem
According to President Ms. Dang Thi Minh Phuong, HLA marks an important milestone as the first association in Vietnam to integrate both logistics and port operations under one organization.
She emphasized that uniting the strengths of HCMC, Binh Duong, and Ba Ria–Vung Tau—three of the nation’s most dynamic trade and manufacturing hubs—will create a more cohesive and efficient logistics ecosystem across the Southern key economic region.
With strong support from government authorities, she believes HCMC’s seaport cluster will achieve a significantly higher global ranking in the near future.
“Our goal is to accelerate the growth of Ho Chi Minh City’s logistics services and position the city as a leading logistics hub in Southeast Asia,” she affirmed.
HCMC’s Seaport Cluster Set to Rise in Global Rankings
Mr. Tran Thanh Hai, Deputy Director General of the Agency of Foreign Trade under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT), emphasized that Ho Chi Minh City is among Vietnam’s most active centers for trade, logistics, and export–import activities.
The merger of three logistics associations into a single, unified organization is expected to boost competitiveness and regional connectivity, strengthening the southern logistics corridor that spans from HCMC to Ba Ria–Vung Tau.
Both cities already rank among the world’s top 50 seaports individually. Once integrated, the combined port cluster could rise into the global top 30–35, thanks to enhanced capacity and operational synergy.
HCMC also holds a unique advantage as it is the only city in Vietnam where all modes of transport converge — seaports, airports, roads, railways, and inland waterways — supported by advanced warehousing, customs, and digital logistics systems.
This positions HCMC to become an international logistics hub, not only leading Vietnam but also serving as a gateway to Southeast Asia and the world.
National Strategy Alignment and Policy Support
Mr. Hai also noted that on October 9, 2025, the Vietnamese Government issued Decision No. 2229/QD-TTg, approving the National Logistics Development Strategy for 2025–2035, with a vision toward 2050.
According to the strategy, Hanoi, Hai Phong, Da Nang, Can Tho, and Ho Chi Minh City are designated as Vietnam’s five international logistics centers for the next decade.
“The establishment of HLA at this moment is both timely and meaningful,” he remarked.
“It enables HCMC to take the lead in implementing the national logistics strategy and to reaffirm its role as Vietnam’s economic and logistics powerhouse.”
Policy Momentum and Development Initiatives
Mr. Le Van Danh, Deputy Director of HCMC’s Department of Industry and Trade, shared that the logistics sector contributes around 8.5% of the city’s GRDP, while HCMC alone accounts for 23.5% of Vietnam’s total GDP.
Moreover, 70% of Vietnam’s total import–export cargo volume is handled through HCMC’s port system — a figure that underlines the city’s critical role in national and regional supply chains.
Following the Prime Minister’s direction, the city aims to transform into an international logistics hub. To that end, the HCMC Department of Industry and Trade has pledged to work closely with HLA to design policies, mechanisms, and infrastructure plans that foster sustainable growth.
The department has also defined three key missions for HLA:
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Act as a central connector between logistics enterprises and related industries.
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Mobilize resources and attract investment in infrastructure and logistics services.
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Lead the transition toward digitalization and green logistics, building a modern, integrated, and environmentally sustainable logistics ecosystem.
Strong Development Drivers and Policy Incentives
HCMC is currently implementing a plan to develop eight large-scale logistics centers across the city, coupled with interest rate support policies that could cover up to 50% of financing costs for strategic logistics projects.
In parallel, the city is developing a liberal investment environment, optimizing land-use planning, attracting strategic investors, and simplifying operational procedures.
Over the past two months, the Department of Industry and Trade has drafted special policy frameworks under Resolution 98 of the National Assembly, focusing on two major priorities:
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Inviting strategic investors to participate in large-scale logistics center projects.
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Establishing and operating Free Trade Zones (FTZs) offering tax, land, and administrative incentives to attract global investors.
“With these strategic initiatives,” Mr. Danh emphasized,
“Ho Chi Minh City aims to become Vietnam’s logistics powerhouse, reinforcing its position as a leading economic and commercial center in Southeast Asia.”
