On May 26, in Can Tho City, under the direction of Vietnam Federation of Trade and Industry (VCCI) and Can Tho City People’s Committee, VCCI Branch in Can Tho and Business Forum Magazine jointly organized the event live and online forum on “Improving the logistics service chain for agricultural products in the Mekong Delta”. Mr. Nguyen Thanh Phong, Deputy Head of the Central Economic Commission, Mr. Tran Viet Truong, Chairman of Can Tho City People’s Committee also attended the forum.
According to the speakers, the Mekong Delta is the region with the highest logistics costs, accounting for 30 percent of product costs, contradicting the region’s contribution to goods. The system for regional logistics lacks connectivity and synchronization, infrastructure does not meet actual needs. There is a lack of a seaport system, especially a deep-water port for ships transporting export containers, a lack of key logistics centers and satellite central systems, a lack of empty container yards, a warehouse system at ports, control units food safety and hygiene standards, irradiation standards… Due to the different characteristics of canals and creeks between localities, it is not possible to form an inland waterway transport route with separate tonnage; the barges are also not able to carry the maximum allowable tonnage. Most import and export goods have to be transshipped through Cat Lai ports in Ho Chi Minh City and Cai Mep – Thi Vai of Ba Ria – Vung Tau, which consumes a lot of time and money. Enterprises providing professional logistics services in the region are still very limited… These challenges increase costs for businesses, reduce the competitiveness of Mekong Delta agricultural products in particular and Vietnamese agricultural products in general. At the forum of experts, scientists also affirmed that the Mekong Delta is welcoming a golden opportunity when it is interested by the Central Government, creating a driving force for development with many specific planning-oriented policies. In which, the Mekong Delta region planning period 2021-2030, vision to 2050; Resolution 45/2022/QH15 of the National Assembly aims to form the largest logistics center in the region and create a premise for the logistics development of Can Tho in particular and the Mekong Delta in general. Recently, Resolution No. 13-NQ/TW dated April 2, 2022 of the 13th Politburo also proposed a series of solutions to improve institutions, development policies, and promote regional linkages, rapid development and regional economic sustainability.
Mr. Pham Tan Cong, Chairman of VCCI, affirmed: “More than ever, in order to develop the economy of the Mekong Delta region, develop the agriculture sector and strong agricultural products of the region, it is important to focus on strengthening regional linkages, facilitating trade in agricultural products is an urgent issue to help the region’s economy develop faster with its inherent advantages. In which, it is necessary to soon have effective plans, policies and models; develop a synchronous logistics infrastructure system, a multi-modal transport system connecting inter-regional and international; connecting a comprehensive supply chain for Vietnamese agricultural products from production – harvesting to export clearance, aiming to optimize logistics costs, increase competitive advantages, and create sustainable output for agricultural products.
News, photo: MINH HUYEN
Source: baocantho.com.vn
