|[pic] |
Experts have said that logistics will be a key element to enhance Viet Nam’s competitiveness, as the country is expected to become a hub for both logistics and port operation. However, there are some concerns about the development of this sector. Thanet Sorat, vice-president of V-Serve Group, a leading Thai logistics service provider, spoke with Viet Nam News reporter Ha Phuong about the Thai logistics system and commented on Viet Nam’s situation on the sidelines of the International Logistic Fair 2008 in Bangkok last month.
How do you assess Viet Nam’s logistics system compared to regional countries?
Inland transportation from Thailand through Laos to Viet Nam is still very expensive since double handling is concerned. Thai logistics cost 19 per cent of the GDP (gross domestic product), which is quite high compared to developed countries. However, Thailand’s transportation infrastructure has improved over the last 10 years, since we have the Laemchabang Port, which is ranked the 21st largest port in the world. We also have the new airport, Suwanpumi, which is located in the centre of world transportation.
Based on my opinion of logistical infrastructure, Viet Nam is clearly less competitive than Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia. However, considering that Viet Nam is a developing country with the potential to grow, and that Viet Nam should have high quality labour in the future, I think Viet Nam has the potential to be a major logistics provider in the region.
What can Viet Nam learn from Thailand’s logistics system development?
I think that what Viet Nam can learn from Thailand about the logistics development process is that it takes time to develop, and the country must follow the proverb "Rome was not built in a day" if the Vietnamese seriously want to develop and improve their logistics system.
My point of view is that the Vietnamese Government must pay attention to developing