Tien Giang: Strengthening Logistics Connections to Boost Exports

Potential for Logistics Development in Tien Giang

Tien Giang enjoys a strategic geographical position, with direct connections to Ho Chi Minh City via key transportation routes and a vast network of rivers and canals. Notably, its 32-kilometer coastline enables easy international trade through seaports. Currently, more than 250 companies in Tien Giang are engaged in import and export activities, with goods exported to over 110 countries and territories. In the first 10 months of 2024, Tien Giang’s total export turnover reached nearly USD 5 billion, marking an increase of over 11% from the same period last year, with foreign-invested enterprises contributing significantly to this figure.

Tien Giang’s extensive waterways and long coastline offer an ideal foundation to develop into a logistics hub for the Mekong Delta. Its favorable connectivity with Ho Chi Minh City and neighboring provinces facilitates the development of multimodal transport routes, including both waterway and roadway. Investment in modern logistics centers here can help both local and external businesses optimize transportation costs and accelerate goods flow. With a structured logistics development, Tien Giang can serve not only the region but also become a strategic destination for major supply chains.

Current State and Challenges in the Logistics Sector

Despite its vast potential, Tien Giang’s logistics sector faces several limitations. The coordination of logistics services between Tien Giang and neighboring provinces remains insufficient, resulting in high costs and extended delivery times. The transportation infrastructure lacks adequate investment, which limits the effectiveness of multimodal transportation. Moreover, technology application and digital transformation in logistics remain weak, and there is a lack of large-scale logistics centers and modern warehousing systems.

Additionally, the province faces environmental challenges such as erosion, drought, and saline intrusion, which complicate sustainable logistics development.

Development Orientation for Logistics in Tien Giang by 2035

At the seminar, experts proposed that Tien Giang focus on expanding its domestic waterways, with seamless connections to road and air systems. Logistics centers need to be expanded and improved to meet the requirements of multimodal transportation. Notably, Tien Giang is encouraged to develop an Agricultural Logistics Center to serve the regional agricultural supply chain.

Tien Giang should concentrate on local logistics service providers and establish a Mekong Delta Logistics Association. Additionally, provincial authorities are advised to implement breakthrough policies to support the optimization of logistics services, thereby enhancing local competitiveness".

Policies and Infrastructure Investment in Logistics

To promote the development of the logistics sector, Tien Giang has issued Resolution No. 08-NQ/TU on digital transformation until 2025, with a focus on digital transformation in warehouse, wharf, and yard management. The provincial government has also committed to prioritizing funds to attract leading corporations to invest in logistics infrastructure, focusing on new-generation agricultural processing and logistics centers that apply Industry 4.0 technologies. This aims to increase the value of logistics services while reducing transportation costs.

High-Quality Human Resource Training and Development

An important factor emphasized is human resource development, especially high-quality personnel in logistics. The province will focus on training a professional workforce equipped to operate modern technology, meeting the demands of logistics development in the new context. Programs for innovation, digital transformation, and a digital economy will be encouraged to help logistics companies in Tien Giang improve productivity and competitiveness.

Upgrading and expanding the logistics system is essential for Tien Giang to meet the growing export demand. When logistics activities are well-connected and efficient, the province’s agricultural, aquatic, and industrial products can easily reach international markets. For local businesses, reduced transportation costs and ensured timely delivery create favorable conditions to optimize production and increase profitability. Investing in logistics will not only help Tien Giang expand its market reach but also enhance business competitiveness, driving sustainable economic growth for the province.

With well-planned strategies and support from both authorities and businesses, logistics is expected to become a leading economic sector, contributing to the international competitiveness of Tien Giang's products and promoting socio-economic development in the region.