Developing Green Logistics in the Transition to New-Generation Industrial Parks

In the context of rapid globalization and increasing pressure from global environmental issues, sustainable development is not merely a trend but has become an urgent necessity for all nations and economic sectors. For Vietnam, a country undergoing a significant transformation to become a production and supply chain hub in Southeast Asia, integrating "green" elements into its economic development strategies-particularly in logistics and industrial parks (IPs) is a top priority. This is not only a solution for environmental protection but also a key to enhancing national competitiveness, meeting increasingly stringent international standards, and creating a strong appeal to foreign investors.

Green logistics, as a driver of sustainability in supply chains and industrial infrastructure, is emerging as a critical strategy for the sustainable and long-term development of new-generation industrial parks. However, the adoption of this model in Vietnam faces significant challenges, including limitations in infrastructure, technology, and stakeholder awareness. Therefore, researching and implementing green logistics solutions is not merely a technical endeavor but requires a comprehensive transformation encompassing policies, infrastructure investment, and the active participation of the business community.

1. THE CONCEPT AND IMPORTANCE OF GREEN LOGISTICS

Amid escalating environmental challenges, green logistics has emerged as a crucial solution to mitigate the negative impacts of supply chains on ecosystems. Green logistics refers to the organization, management, and operation of logistics activities in a manner that optimizes the use of resources and energy while minimizing waste and emissions that harm the environment. The goal of green logistics is not only to enhance business efficiency but also to promote sustainability, protect living environments, and preserve natural resources for future generations.

Green logistics encompasses a range of activities, including the use of fuel-efficient or renewable-energy-powered transport, adopting smart transportation management technologies to optimize travel routes, and reducing energy consumption during operations. Additionally, it advocates for the use of eco-friendly packaging materials that are recyclable or biodegradable and managing warehouses to minimize electricity and water consumption.

The importance of green logistics has become increasingly apparent with international environmental standards, such as ISO 14001, and global climate commitments requiring businesses to reduce environmental impacts across their supply chains. For Vietnam a rapidly developing economy striving to attract foreign investment-green logistics is not only a matter of corporate social responsibility but also a critical factor in boosting competitiveness. International investors, especially from major markets like the EU and North America, are increasingly prioritizing businesses with sustainable operations that meet environmental standards.

Green logistics also plays a vital role in addressing climate change challenges and promoting global sustainable development. The transport and logistics sector currently accounts for approximately 14% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the United Nations. Without improvement measures, this figure is expected to rise significantly as transportation demands increase. Green logistics provides solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to national commitments under the Paris Agreement and the United Nations’ sustainable development strategies.

In summary, green logistics is no longer just a trend but an essential component of the development strategies for both businesses and nations. For Vietnam, adopting green logistics presents an opportunity to align economic growth with environmental protection, laying the foundation for sustainable development and deeper integration into the global economy.

2. THE CURRENT STATE OF GREEN LOGISTICS DEVELOPMENT IN VIETNAM

Green logistics has garnered increasing attention in Vietnam in recent years. However, its implementation still faces numerous challenges and obstacles. To gain a clearer understanding of the current state of green logistics development in Vietnam, it is essential to analyze both the achievements and the existing issues in this field.

2.1. Achievements and Positive Developments

In recent years, the Vietnamese government has introduced significant policies to encourage the development of green logistics. The 2022 Resolution No. 13-NQ/TW of the Politburo highlighted the importance of sustainable transportation and logistics infrastructure development. Additionally, the government issued the Logistics Development Strategy to 2025, Vision 2030, prioritizing environmentally friendly and green solutions.

Several leading companies in Vietnam have taken the initiative to implement green logistics practices. For instance, Saigon Newport Corporation has invested in transportation systems powered by renewable energy and applied advanced transport management technologies to reduce CO2 emissions. Moreover, large corporations like VinGroup are developing smart electric trucks and vehicles for goods transportation, contributing to the trend of environmentally friendly transportation.

Major industrial parks (IPs) in Vietnam, such as Dinh Vu - Cat Hai IP (Hai Phong) and VSIP (Binh Duong), have begun incorporating green logistics models. These efforts include optimizing internal transportation systems, using energy-saving technologies in warehouse management, and encouraging the use of recyclable packaging among businesses operating within these IPs.

2.2. Challenges and Limitations

Despite these positive developments, green logistics in Vietnam still faces several significant challenges:

Inadequate Infrastructure

Vietnam’s transportation and logistics infrastructure remains insufficient for green development. According to the Vietnam Logistics Report 2023, key transportation routes often experience congestion, leading to fuel wastage and increased emissions.

Many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Vietnam lack the resources to invest in advanced technologies, such as smart transport management systems, electric vehicles, or renewable energy-powered automated warehouses. This results in higher logistics costs and less effective environmental impact control.

Awareness of green logistics remains limited among businesses and consumers. A 2022 survey by the Ministry of Industry and Trade revealed that over 60% of SMEs view green logistics as a cost burden rather than an opportunity for sustainable growth. Additionally, Vietnamese consumers show limited concern for green factors during purchasing decisions, leading to insufficient market pressure for businesses to adopt green practices.

2.3. Comparisons with Other Countries in the Region

Compared to more developed countries in the region, such as Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia, Vietnam still lags behind in green logistics:

Singapore has established a modern green logistics ecosystem, featuring highly automated ports, natural gas-powered (LNG) transport vehicles, and AI-based integrated logistics management systems.

Thailand has made significant progress with programs encouraging businesses to adopt solar energy in warehouse operations.

Meanwhile, Vietnam is still in the early stages, focusing primarily on infrastructure development and policy improvements rather than implementing advanced green logistics technologies and operational models.

2.4. Opportunities and Growth Potential

Despite the challenges, Vietnam holds significant potential for green logistics development:

Strategic Geographic Location

Positioned on key international transport routes, Vietnam is strategically situated to become a regional logistics hub.

The rapid growth of e-commerce and increasing foreign direct investment (FDI) are driving higher demand for sustainable logistics practices.

Organizations such as the World Bank (WB) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) provide funding and technology support, enabling Vietnam to access resources necessary for green logistics development.

Agreements like the CPTPP and EVFTA impose stringent environmental standards, incentivizing Vietnamese businesses to adopt green logistics models to remain competitive in global markets.

The current state of green logistics development in Vietnam presents both challenges and opportunities. Improving awareness, investing in technology and infrastructure, and leveraging support from the government and international organizations will be key to overcoming barriers. By doing so, Vietnam can fully harness the potential of green logistics, contributing to sustainable economic growth and positioning itself as a competitive player in the global supply chain.

3. TRANSITIONING TO NEW-GENERATION INDUSTRIAL PARKS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

In the context of globalization and increasing environmental pressures, the transition from traditional industrial parks (IPs) to new-generation models focused on sustainable development has become an inevitable trend. In Vietnam, this transformation is being actively promoted to meet green growth requirements and align with international integration goals.

3.1. The Concept of New-Generation Industrial Parks and Eco-Industrial Parks

New-generation industrial parks are defined as those implementing sustainability criteria, including efficient resource utilization, minimizing environmental pollution, and ensuring social responsibility. Among these, eco-industrial parks (EIPs) stand out by fostering a collaborative network of businesses that share resources and energy, optimizing economic efficiency while reducing negative environmental impacts.

According to the Ministry of Planning and Investment, EIPs represent a sustainable development model that combines economic growth with environmental protection, aligning with global trends.

3.2. Current Status of Industrial Park Transition in Vietnam

As of now, Vietnam has approximately 450 operational industrial parks, which play a critical role in the country’s economic growth. However, traditional IPs face challenges such as environmental pollution, inefficient resource use, and limited collaboration among businesses. Recognizing these issues, the government issued Decree 82/2018/ND-CP on managing industrial parks and economic zones, encouraging the development of eco-industrial park models.

Several pilot projects have been implemented with support from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). Parks such as Khanh Phu and Gian Khau (Ninh Binh), Hoa Khanh (Da Nang), and Tra Noc 1 & 2 (Can Tho) have adopted resource-efficient and cleaner production solutions, yielding positive results.

3.3. Benefits of Transitioning to Eco-Industrial Parks

Transitioning to EIPs offers multiple advantages:

Economic Benefits:
Enhanced resource efficiency, reduced production costs, and improved competitiveness for businesses.

Environmental Benefits:
Reduced pollution, ecosystem protection, and sustainable use of natural resources.

Social Benefits:
Safer working environments, improved quality of life for workers, and positive impacts on surrounding communities.

3.4. Challenges in the Transition Process

Despite its benefits, transitioning to EIPs in Vietnam faces several challenges:

Awareness and Management Capacity:
Many businesses lack a full understanding of the advantages of EIPs and do not possess the necessary management skills.

Infrastructure and Technology:
Inadequate infrastructure and outdated production technologies hinder the adoption of green solutions.

Policies and Resources:
Stronger government support in terms of policies and financial resources is needed to accelerate the transition.

3.5. Directions and Solutions to Accelerate Transition

To promote the transition to new-generation industrial parks geared toward sustainable development, the following solutions are essential:

Improving Legal Frameworks:
Develop and implement supportive policies that create favorable conditions for the establishment of EIPs.

Raising Awareness and Training Human Resources:
Conduct training programs and workshops to enhance awareness and skills among businesses and regulatory agencies.

Investing in Infrastructure and Technology:
Encourage investments in green infrastructure and the adoption of advanced production and management technologies.

Strengthening International Cooperation:
Collaborate with international organizations to learn from global experiences and access support resources.

Transitioning to new-generation industrial parks aimed at sustainable development is a process that requires effort and collaboration from various stakeholders. With determination and appropriate strategies, Vietnam can successfully build eco-industrial parks, contributing to the country's green growth objectives and sustainable development goals.

4. SOLUTIONS TO PROMOTE GREEN LOGISTICS IN INDUSTRIAL PARKS (IPS)

Developing green logistics in industrial parks is not just a trend but an essential requirement for achieving sustainable development. As Vietnam’s industrial parks continue to grow rapidly, integrating green solutions into logistics operations can help minimize environmental impacts while enhancing economic efficiency. Below are strategic solutions to promote green logistics in IPs:

Promoting green logistics in industrial parks helps mitigate environmental impacts and enhances business competitiveness. Comprehensive solutions, from infrastructure, technology, and workforce to policy support, will enable green logistics to become a foundation for the sustainable development of new-generation industrial parks in Vietnam.

With strong commitment and strategic implementation, Vietnam can position itself as a leader in green industrial park logistics, contributing to global efforts for green growth and sustainability.

5. CONCLUSION

The development of green logistics in the transition to new-generation industrial parks (IPs) is not merely a trend but an urgent necessity for Vietnam in the context of globalization and deeper international integration. This report has addressed the concept and importance of green logistics, its current state in Vietnam, the transformation of IPs toward sustainability, and specific solutions to promote green logistics within IPs.

From a conceptual standpoint, green logistics is not limited to isolated actions such as using fuel-efficient vehicles or recycling packaging. Instead, it represents a comprehensive strategy integrated with sustainable supply chain management. The ultimate goal of green logistics is to achieve a balance between economic benefits and environmental responsibility-an indispensable requirement for new-generation IPs.

In transitioning to new-generation IPs, adopting sustainable models and developing eco-industrial parks (EIPs) are critical directions. This shift not only addresses environmental challenges in existing IPs but also creates long-term sustainable value. Pilot models such as EIPs in Da Nang, Ninh Binh, and Can Tho demonstrate that cleaner production, resource reuse, and increased collaboration among businesses are not only feasible but also yield significant economic benefits.

Promoting green logistics in IPs requires a comprehensive strategy involving the participation of the government, businesses, and the community. Practical and effective measures such as developing green transportation infrastructure, applying modern technology, building smart warehouses, and raising awareness are essential steps. Simultaneously, completing the legal framework and providing policy support are key factors to motivate businesses toward transformation.

From a personal perspective, Vietnam is at a historic juncture to define a sustainable industrial development model. Green logistics is not just a solution to mitigate environmental impacts but also a tool to enhance national competitiveness. However, a long-term vision and proactive approach are imperative. Green logistics should not merely be seen as a mandatory responsibility to comply with international standards, but as an opportunity to build the nation’s image, attract investments, and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.

With this mindset, we can be confident that through the collective efforts of all stakeholders, green logistics will evolve from being a goal to becoming a powerful driver for Vietnam to enter a new era of industrial park development. An era where the balance between economic growth and environmental protection will serve as the foundation for building a sustainable future for the nation and the world.

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References

1. Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry: https://vcci.com.vn

2. United Nations Vietnam: https://vietnam.un.org

3. Ministry of Transport: https://www.mt.gov.vn

4. Ministry of Planning and Investment: https://www.mpi.gov.vn