Vietnam and Laos are two key Southeast Asian partners, connected by vital transportation routes and a longstanding traditional diplomatic relationship. Over recent years, bilateral trade has seen remarkable growth, particularly in the export of agricultural products, minerals, and electricity. According to statistics, in the first nine months of 2024, Vietnam emerged as the third-largest supplier of goods to the Lao market after Thailand and China with a trade value of $442.91 million. This increase highlights the appeal of Vietnamese goods in Laos and reflects the strengthening trade ties between the two nations. Logistics is pivotal in ensuring an efficient supply chain in this context.
During the trip, the delegation from Saigon Newport Corporation (SNP) held meetings with representatives from Laos’ Department of Trade Promotion and Handicrafts (under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce), the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, and Vietnam’s Commercial Counselor in Laos. Discussions were focused on three main objectives:
- Enhancing bilateral cooperation.
- Optimizing logistics infrastructure and operations, including providing solutions for handling oversized and heavy cargo.
- Strengthening support from relevant authorities to create favorable conditions for the logistics activities of Vietnamese enterprises in Laos.
In addition to official meetings, the delegation engaged in field survey activities to enhance cooperation and explore opportunities for logistics growth. During the visit, Saigon Newport representatives met with logistics partners in Laos, notably ADIC (a subsidiary of the AIF Group), one of Laos’ largest and most dynamic corporations. ADIC operates in various sectors, including energy, water supply, real estate, infrastructure, construction, trade, food and beverage, and carbon certification. With a vision to become a leading logistics company in Laos, ADIC currently owns a fleet of 200 trucks specialized in transporting agricultural products and iron ore from Laos and Thailand to Vietnam for export to global markets. Both parties have committed to collaborating on comprehensive logistics packages to meet the growing import-export demands of the Laos and Thailand markets.
The successful outcomes of this visit reaffirm Saigon Newport’s pioneering role in establishing an efficient supply chain and supporting Vietnam-Laos trade relations. Moving forward, Saigon Newport plans to implement further development strategies, leverage technology, and promote green logistics projects, contributing to the economic growth of both nations and the region.
These efforts aim to enhance trade connectivity and build a modern, sustainable logistics ecosystem that meets the increasing demands of the international market.