Conference on “Global Supply Chains – Trends and Opportunities for Vietnam

On February 21, 2025, Hanoi University of Industry (HaUI), in collaboration with the Agency for Foreign Trade and the Vietnam Logistics Business Association, hosted the conference on “Global Supply Chains – Trends and Opportunities for Vietnam.” During the event, Prof. Dr. John Kent from the University of Arkansas (USA) underscored significant opportunities within Vietnam’s logistics industry and offered strategic recommendations for its advancement.

Overview of the conference

As economic integration deepens and global competition intensifies, Free Trade Zones (FTZs) and Free Trade Countries (FTCs) have emerged as prominent models, driving international trade and minimizing trade barriers.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Nguyen Van Thien, Vice Rector of Hanoi University of Industry, highlighted Vietnam’s pivotal geographical position and rapidly expanding economy, positioning the nation as an attractive hub in the global supply chain shift. He emphasized that Vietnam has considerable potential to capitalize on these models to enhance its international competitiveness and seize emerging opportunities in the global supply network. He also stressed that the conference serves as a crucial platform for discussing the benefits, challenges, and practical implementation of such models in Vietnam.
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Dr. Nguyen Van Thien, Vice Rector of Hanoi University of Industry, delivered the opening remarks at the conference

Mr. Tran Thanh Hai, Deputy Director-General of Agency for Foreign Trade (Ministry of Industry and Trade), delivered an inspiring message to HaUI students, emphasizing that logistics extends beyond theoretical knowledge, it is a dynamic journey shaped by ambition and continuous innovation. He encouraged students to actively contribute to the sector’s transformation, highlighting that their decisions, inquiries, and innovative solutions will directly influence the future of Vietnam’s logistics industry.

Mr. Tran Thanh Hai, Deputy Director-General of Agency for Foreign Trade (Ministry of Industry and Trade), shared his insights at the event

In addition, Mr. Tran Thanh Hai urged students, particularly those specializing in logistics within the School of Economics (under Hanoi University of Industry), to adopt a multidisciplinary approach by integrating economics with technology, environmental sciences, and even the arts. He underscored the necessity of acquiring practical experience through internships at logistics firms, emphasizing that such hands-on training is instrumental in equipping students with critical industry insights and essential professional competencies.

With over 30 years of experience in U.S.-China supply chain development, Prof. Dr. John Kent delivered a compelling presentation titled “The U.S.-China Supply Chain Shift and Vietnam’s Strategic Advantages.” His insights resonated strongly with industry experts, business leaders, and policymakers, particularly in light of Vietnam’s increasing prominence in global trade.

Prof. Dr. John Kent Kent emphasized the critical need for Vietnam to diversify its supply sources to mitigate dependency risks and ensure long-term economic resilience. He urged businesses to adopt proactive strategies to navigate tariff-related challenges in outsourced manufacturing. Observing that Vietnam is at a crucial turning point, he noted that global corporations are increasingly shifting their supply chains to the country. Additionally, he highlighted Vietnam’s unique diplomatic advantage, as it maintains strong trade relations with both China and the United States.

Prof. Dr. John Kent from the University of Arkansas (USA) delivered insights at the conference

Drawing from these insights, Professor Kent proposed key recommendations to bolster Vietnam’s logistics sector from a supply chain perspective:

- Leverage Vietnam’s neutral diplomatic stance to strengthen trade partnerships with both China and the U.S.

- Implement nationwide free trade policies to enhance economic openness.

- Establish a two-way railway network connecting Vientiane (Laos) with Vietnam’s eastern seaports to improve regional trade flow.

- Enhance infrastructure and streamline operations at Vietnam’s land border crossings with Yunnan, China.

- Develop a robust logistics ecosystem to reinforce Vietnam’s connectivity with ASEAN and China.

The conference also featured an insightful presentation by logistics expert Tran Gia Huy, titled “Connecting Academia and Industry – Lessons from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.”

During his address, Tran Gia Huy shared best practices in university-enterprise collaboration from California, drawing valuable lessons for Vietnam’s higher education institutions. He emphasized the importance of aligning academic curricula with industry demands, fostering experiential learning, and bridging the gap between theoretical education and practical application. His recommendations provide a roadmap for enhancing workforce preparedness in the fields of international trade, logistics, and industrial management.

Mr. Tran Gia Huy presented on the topic: “Connecting Academia and Industry – Lessons from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.”

The conference on “Global Supply Chains – Trends and Opportunities for Vietnam” provided an invaluable forum for industry leaders, academics, and students to explore the evolving landscape of global logistics and Vietnam’s positioning within it. The expert insights shared during the event offer strategic guidance for stakeholders across the logistics sector, reinforcing Vietnam’s potential as a key player in global supply chains. Moving forward, continued collaboration between academia, government, and industry will be essential in fostering innovation, enhancing competitiveness, and driving sustainable growth in Vietnam’s logistics sector.