Vietnam seeks green logistics edge to attract advanced manufacturing investment

Vietnam cannot rely solely on geographical advantages and land resources to compete for advanced manufacturing investment, according to priorities outlined ahead of the Autumn Economic Forum 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City.

Bui Ba Nghiem, senior expert at the Ministry of Industry and Trade's Import-Export Department, presented five strategic priorities to strengthen Vietnam's appeal to international investors. The framework emphasizes institutional reforms and improved coordination between government agencies, alongside promotion of multimodal transport networks to reduce logistics costs and environmental impact.

The strategy incorporates digital technology deployment for emissions monitoring and management, recognizing that multinational manufacturers increasingly demand transparent sustainability metrics from supply chain partners. Support mechanisms for small and medium-sized enterprises transitioning to greener operations will be crucial, as SMEs form the backbone of Vietnam's manufacturing ecosystem.

Piloting measurable green logistics models represents the final priority, enabling the country to demonstrate concrete results and establish benchmarks for regional competitors. The World Economic Forum's co-branding of the 2026 event signals international validation of Vietnam's green manufacturing agenda and is expected to attract significant participation from global investors seeking sustainable production alternatives in Southeast Asia.

Photo: A cargo ship at Cat Lai Port on the Saigon River, Ho Chi Minh City, June 2013. Bem photography via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0).