Smart Logistics and Seaports Linked to Dual-Transformation Goal

The Autumn Economic Forum 2025, under the theme “Green transition in the digital era”, is expected to open orientations for a new growth model for Viet Nam, in the context of the growing need for green transition, digital transformation and economic restructuring. The Forum brought together 70 delegations from innovation hubs and major corporations, 6 delegations from international ministries and agencies (Australia, China, Kuwait, Malaysia, etc.), many delegations from foreign localities and major international organizations, thereby helping to build a comprehensive strategic dialogue platform of high professional value and to promote multinational cooperation in green economy, digital economy and innovation.



In his keynote address, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh underlined: “This Forum is not only an important international event, but also a milestone that opens a new and promising chapter in Viet Nam’s journey of development cooperation and international integration – for peace, stability, cooperation, development and economic recovery in the region and the world.”

Enterprises and sectoral agencies are jointly looking toward solutions for developing a modern maritime economy and a smart, digitalized logistics ecosystem. This year, the Autumn Economic Forum 2025 features three thematic sessions held in parallel, focusing on: “Smart Manufacturing and Global Supply Chains”; “Smart Logistics and Seaports Linked to Dual-Transformation Goal”; and “Smart Government in Digital Era”.

In the thematic presentation, Mr. Bui Van Quy, Chairman of the Advisory Council of the APEC Port Services Network (APSN), Vice Chairman of the Viet Nam Seaports Association, and Deputy General Director of Saigon Newport Corporation (SNP), delivered a paper on smart seaports from a global perspective.

Accordingly, key trends in smart port transformation have been emerging and evolving worldwide. Modern seaports are integrating: Port Community Systems (PCS); Digital Twin modelling; AI-based prediction tools (for cargo flows, berth allocation, maintenance scheduling), etc. These technologies help enhance operational efficiency, reduce congestion and increase the reliability of services for shipping lines and logistics enterprises.

In addition, according to Mr. Bui Van Quy, a prominent global trend is the shift toward data-driven port networks. For ASEAN and APEC economies, the next milestone is the ability to share real-time data among ports in order to build a regional “Smart Port Network” – supporting seamless cargo flows, facilitating trade and enhancing transparency across the supply chain.

Particularly, ports are transitioning from traditional, fuel-based operations to more sustainable models: electrification of cargo-handling equipment; deployment of solar power at warehouses and storage areas; application of circular economy models (for example, ocean plastic recycling). These initiatives help reduce emissions, improve impacts on local communities and strengthen the long-term competitiveness of the port ecosystem.

Ports are thus transforming towards sustainable models that reduce emissions and optimize operational efficiency, from equipment electrification and shore power supply to solar energy and circular economy practices, with a view to building an environmentally friendly and long-term competitive port ecosystem.

At the discussion session “Smart Logistics and Seaports Linked to Dual-Transformation Goal”, Mr. Truong Tan Loc, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Logistics and Seaport Association and Chairman of Tan Cang – Cai Mep International Terminal (TCIT), acted as moderator. Together with other experts, he provided in-depth analysis of the urgent requirements facing the port and logistics sector in adapting to global trends such as digitalization, automation, strengthened safety and security standards in maritime transport, and the shift towards sustainable development models.

These trends are reshaping the structure of the global logistics industry, requiring Viet Nam to accelerate transformation towards “green – smart – digitally connected logistics”, meeting international operational standards and enhancing the competitiveness of enterprises. Three key messages were highlighted in the session: 
· Innovation and cooperation – Digital transformation is the driving force; cooperation is the key. 
· Sustainability and competitiveness – Green logistics is not a cost, but an opportunity. 
· A vision for Viet Nam – Smart ports and logistics will be pillars of the national twin transition strategy.

At the same time, Mr. Truong Tan Loc reaffirmed the crucial role of public–private partnerships (PPP) and regional connectivity in developing green logistics, reducing carbon emissions and building smart infrastructure. This is a key factor in enabling private enterprises and domestic logistics companies to participate more deeply in global value chains, while expanding development space for modern seaport–logistics models that meet international standards.
 

Saigon Newport Corporation (SNP) is honored to accompany the Government, ministries and central agencies, local authorities and the business community in promoting innovation, digital transformation and strategic infrastructure development, thereby contributing to realizing the goal of turning Viet Nam into a strong maritime and seaport nation.