According to experts, the Mekong Delta has huge demand for transport services as it produces about 90% of rice, 65% of seafood and 70% of fruit for export.
But local agricultural products are being hamstrung by various factors, especially the burden of high logistics costs, which make up nearly one third of final prices, causing Vietnamese products to be less competitive than those from Thailand and China.
Such high logistics costs are due to a lack of seaports, especially deep-water ones for container ships in the region.
The Mekong Delta also lacks major logistics centres and other supporting facilities, so most goods must be transported to Ho Chi Minh City for export.
At the seminar, experts analysed the advantages and development potential of agricultural logistics in the Mekong Delta and pointed out the drawbacks in enterprise support policies and existing problems regarding logistical infrastructure.
They noted that such matters require the government, ministries, agencies and local authorities to review and introduce appropriate measures in order to facilitate the development of agricultural logistics in the region.
Hau Giang Chairman Dong Van Thanh said logistics is an important service, with the role of supporting, connecting and promoting the socio-economic development of the whole country as well as each locality.
Therefore, it is a matter of urgency to strengthen regional linkage and enable smooth flow of agricultural products so as to help the Mekong Delta grow faster with its own advantages.
He emphasised that it is necessary for all the relevant ministries, agencies and local authorities to join hands in order to provide a boost to enterprises specialising in logistics, especially agricultural logistics.
