Vietnam logistics sector targets shift to waterway transport

Vietnam is seeking to optimize its logistics sector by shifting container transport from road to waterway and maritime routes. Currently, approximately 98% of container volume relies on road transport, contributing to high logistics costs—estimated at 17% of GDP—and increased environmental and traffic pressure.

At the VII Regional Logistics Forum 2026, industry leaders proposed a target to increase container connectivity via inland waterways and sea routes to 20% by 2030. To achieve this, experts suggest revising the Maritime and Inland Waterway Codes to provide a stronger legal framework. Proposed solutions include reviewing riverbank land use, adjusting technical regulations for waterway vehicles, and implementing tax, fee, and credit policies to attract investment in container fleets.

Experts also highlighted the need to move from fragmented infrastructure investment toward integrated connectivity. Current bottlenecks include a lack of efficient links between logistics centers, industrial zones, and production sites. In provinces like Bac Ninh, which saw import-export turnover exceed $130 billion in the first eight months of 2026, developing smart, multimodal logistics systems is seen as essential for maintaining supply chain competitiveness.