Green logistics is unavoidable

According to a 2021 study by the International Energy Agency (IEA), transportation accounts for up to 37 per cent of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, making it one of the most crucial aspects of supply chain operations.

Economies in Asia, Africa, and Latin America are expected to triple their demand for freight transport by 2050, resulting in a doubling of GHG emissions.

The APEC Workshop on Promoting Green Logistics for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth 2024

Luong Hoang Thai, head of the Multilateral Trade Policy Division at the Ministry of Industry and Trade, emphasised that in many developing economies, including Vietnam, green logistics is still a relatively new concept. Understanding the essence and role of green logistics is crucial for promoting comprehensive and sustainable growth.

He said that greening logistics is not only a responsibility but also helps businesses enhance competitiveness, improve brand image, and strive for more sustainable and comprehensive development.

Rebecca Orme, Southeast Asia legal director at Fedex, stressed the need for proactive collaboration among countries and businesses to build a green logistics ecosystem, not only within national borders but also regionally and globally.

"To promote green logistics for comprehensive and sustainable growth, countries need to facilitate trade, reduce cross-border transportation costs, and thereby promote export growth. Along with this, countries also need to adopt technology, automate customs procedures, and implement digital solutions in the process of greening the logistics industry," said Orme.

Speaking at the seminar, Ngo Khac Le, deputy secretary-general of the Vietnam Logistics Business Association, emphasised that in the current context, if businesses do not quickly meet the criteria for greening the logistics industry, they will face many difficulties in the future and gradually be phased out of domestic and global business and trade activities.

"The awareness and understanding of businesses, especially small- and medium-sized enterprises, about greening the logistics industry are still limited. Green transformation is a trend and a mandatory requirement for every business. Choosing appropriate solutions and approaches for each business sector requires financial resources, but poses challenges in terms of skills and capacity, especially regarding human resources, IT, and infrastructure," Le said.

Green workforce crucial to a green economy The Vietnamese government is targeting green growth with policies and international commitments towards the green economy. Nguyen Cong Thuy, founder and CEO of HRDC, discusses the influence of the green workforce on sustainable development.

'Green skills vital' for green transition Organised by the United Nations in Vietnam on August 11, this year’s International Youth Day focussed on the role of education and highlighted the importance of teaching green skills to young people, so they can move towards a brighter, greener, and more sustainable future for Vietnam.

Logistics groups go green to add to net-zero goals Logistics enterprises are gradually participating in supporting the green production and circulation of goods in the country, as well as exporting and importing with more sustainable criteria.