FedEx Express: Delivering logistics for growth in Vietnam

Ee-Hui Tan, managing director for FedEx Express Vietnam and Cambodia

In Vietnam, the backbone of the economy rests upon SMEs, accounting for 97 per cent of businesses and driving nearly half of the country's GDP, according to the Ministry of Planning and Investment.

With Vietnam's ascent as a global manufacturing hub, SMEs hold immense potential for success, particularly in terms of cross-border trade.

To facilitate this journey, FedEx, one of the world's largest express transportation companies, stands as a trusted partner for Vietnamese SMEs, empowering them to expand their horizons and compete in the global marketplace.

Empowering Vietnamese SMEs engaged in cross-border trade

FedEx offers a variety of international shipping options that are customised to meet the specific needs of these SMEs, covering over 220 countries and territories.

Businesses can choose the FedEx International Priority service for time-sensitive deliveries, or opt for the FedEx International Economy service to save on the cost of non-urgent shipments.

Moreover, FedEx's establishment of its direct presence in Cambodia in October 2022, along with the inauguration of its new facility in Batam, Indonesia in February, significantly boost trade opportunities across Southeast Asia – further benefiting Vietnamese businesses.

FedEx is constantly going above and beyond to enhance their services and facilities. The company takes part in various seminars and webinars to provide information on how Vietnamese SMEs can expand their businesses to overseas markets.

For example, in collaboration with the US-ASEAN Business Council, the General Department of Vietnam Customs, and the Ministry of Industry and Trade, FedEx supported a conference in December 2022 on how businesses in Vietnam can tap into the resources provided by the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and gain potential growth opportunities, as well as how FedEx can help them globalise their operations by taking advantage of this economic agreement.

Ee-Hui Tan, managing director for FedEx Express Vietnam and Cambodia said, “FedEx understands the increasing need for Vietnamese SMEs to enhance their operational efficiency, particularly as they venture into international markets. With our expanding and robust logistics network, coupled with our unmatched expertise, we remain committed to empowering these SMEs, enabling their business growth while engaging in cross-border trade.”

Recognising the rising significance of e-commerce, FedEx has introduced the FedEx Delivery Manager, which enables recipients to personalise how they want to receive their deliveries. By offering greater control and flexibility, this convenient solution enhances the overall e-commerce experience for customers.

Caring for the environment and the communities we serve

FedEx believes that a connected world is a better world, and works to deliver for its stakeholders in responsible and resourceful ways. This guiding principle drives the company to constantly improve its operations and support initiatives that uplift the communities it serves.

FedEx has embarked on a journey to deliver a more sustainable future. The company’s sustainability strategy for reducing the company’s environmental impact focuses on the three key concepts of reduce, replace, and revolutionise.

To advance environmental stewardship, FedEx is working to drive operational innovations and efficiencies, facilitate action through the research and development of sustainable technologies, and inspire others to embrace sustainability.

With a goal of achieving carbon-neutral operations by 2040, FedEx is focused on reducing emissions and inefficiencies, replacing older technologies and vehicles, and revolutionising its fleets and facilities.

For example, the company invests in alternative fuels to reduce emissions from its fleet, embraces zero-emission electric vehicles for its parcel pickup and delivery fleets, and directs resources towards efficient facilities, renewable energy, and energy management programmes.

FedEx is also empowering local communities through several strategic alliances and programmes in Vietnam.

The company's longstanding collaboration with the Junior Achievement Asia-Pacific for the International Trade Challenge programme nurtures the entrepreneurial spirit and business skills of students, with over 38,000 young entrepreneurs from the Asia-Pacific region participating since 2007. This includes nearly 3,500 students in Vietnam since 2012.

Through its alliance with the VinaCapital Foundation, FedEx has introduced the FedEx Delivers Heartbeats initiative. Over the past 12 years, it has provided free heart check-ups to 263,000 children across 804 clinics in 48 provinces and cities in Vietnam.

Among the diagnosed cases, 5,037 children required surgery for congenital heart diseases. The offering has garnered recognition and support from local government leaders, the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, and the Ministry of Health.

For over 30 years, FedEx has also maintained a global alliance with Orbis, supporting the Flying Eye Hospital.

This unique mobile teaching hospital has empowered healthcare professionals to treat those with visual impairments in their communities.

FedEx's contributions extend beyond financial support, as the company has donated MD-10 aircraft for the programme, flown by FedEx volunteer pilots. Maintenance, necessary aircraft parts, and pilot training are also provided by the company at no cost to Orbis.

Tan stated, "At FedEx, our unwavering commitment lies in creating a positive impact within the communities we serve. In addition to fostering the growth of local businesses, we strive to make meaningful contributions through our expertise and available resources."

“We take great pride in surpassing our ambitious FedEx Cares 50 by 50 goal, successfully reaching and benefiting over 50 million individuals by our 50^th birthday in April this year. Looking ahead, we are eager to continue making a substantial difference in the lives of even more people in the years to come,” she added.

To learn more about FedEx’s suite of services and commitment to doing good, please visit FedEx.com.vn.

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