Unlocking the Logistics Growth Potential of the Mekong Delta 

As Vietnam’s largest agricultural hub, the Mekong Delta is poised for a transformative leap forward, driven by a wave of strategic investments in logistics infrastructure. However, persistent challenges such as high transportation costs, lack of large-scale seaports, and an incomplete supply chain continue to hinder growth. As the government and international organizations intensify efforts to address these bottlenecks, logistics is emerging as a strategic key to regional economic development and enhancing the Mekong Delta’s position on the global trade map. 

VILOG 2025: A Golden Opportunity to Solve the Mekong Delta’s Logistics Puzzle 

The 3rd Vietnam International Logistics Exhibition (VILOG 2025), taking place from July 31 to August 2, 2025 at SECC (Ho Chi Minh City), is expected to serve as a vital catalyst for logistics transformation in the Mekong Delta. 

Under the direction of the Vietnam Ministry of Industry and Trade, with active support from the Import-Export Department, and co-organized by the Vietnam Logistics Business Association (VLA) and VINEXAD (a UFI member), VILOG 2025 anticipates welcoming over 20,000 visitors across the three-day event. 

The exhibition will focus on cutting-edge solutions such as IoT, AI, automation systems, smart warehousing, green transportation, and supply chain management software. It is not only a platform for businesses to stay abreast of global trends, but also an opportunity to forge partnerships, drive innovation, and integrate Vietnam’s logistics value chain with the ASEAN and international networks. 

With the theme “Digital Transformation – Green Development in Logistics,” VILOG 2025 goes beyond showcasing technology. It offers a platform for policy discussion, enterprise networking, and investment opportunities—particularly for Mekong Delta provinces striving to build a modern, efficient, and environmentally friendly logistics system. 

The Mekong Delta: A Strategic Region for Logistics Expansion 

Covering approximately 40,000 km², the Mekong Delta is a dynamic intersection of economy, culture, and politics. Following administrative restructuring, the region comprises six provinces: Can Tho, Tay Ninh, Vinh Long, Dong Thap, An Giang, and Ca Mau. Renowned as the country’s largest rice, fruit, and seafood production zone, the region recorded $25.7 billion in exports in 2024, a 16% year-on-year increase, and $13.8 billion in imports, up 21.5%. 

Despite accounting for 13% of Vietnam’s area and 19% of its population, the region contributes only 10% to national budget revenues, a clear indicator of untapped potential, especially in logistics, the pivotal sector for trade expansion, value addition, and global supply chain integration. 

Current Logistics Landscape in the Mekong Delta 

Each year, the Mekong Delta handles nearly 20 million tons of export goods. Despite its dense river network and favorable conditions for waterway transport, the majority of goods must still be transferred to Ho Chi Minh City for customs clearance. Currently, around 80% of goods are transported over long distances to reach major seaports, pushing logistics costs up by 10% to 40%, and undermining the competitiveness of local enterprises. 

Key issues include underdeveloped and fragmented logistics infrastructure. Most seaports are small, lacking deep-water capabilities and inland container depots. Road networks are underdeveloped with insufficient expressways and no railways. Airports primarily serve passengers, while warehouse systems are outdated, small-scale, and unevenly distributed. 

Although the region has achieved notable socio-economic progress in recent years, it has yet to fully realize its potential largely due to underdeveloped logistics, which remains a significant bottleneck. 

Growing Focus and Strategic Investments in the Region 

In response, both the Vietnamese Government and international partners have launched large-scale investment programs to upgrade logistics infrastructure. At a government meeting in Can Tho on April 21, 2025, it was revealed that many critical transport projects are underway. The region now boasts four airports (Can Tho, Phu Quoc, Ca Mau, and Rach Gia), plans for a 174 km railway between HCMC and Can Tho, and 12 major seaports. On the waterways, logistics corridors are being actively developed. 

Alongside public investments, the Mekong Delta is attracting robust FDI inflows, thanks to high-impact international cooperation initiatives. A prime example is the Mekong Delta Investment and Trade Discovery Tour (MIDT), held from June 23–27, 2025, co-organized by AusCham Vietnam, the Australian Government, and partners. 

This event marked a breakthrough in investment promotion, connecting international investors particularly from Australia with Mekong Delta provinces in key sectors like high-tech agriculture, green industry, logistics, and renewable energy. 

Back to the above mentioned VILOG 2025, the Exibition emerges as a pivotal event not only to showcase innovations and attract investors but also to spark deep strategic dialogue on regional logistics development, especially for Mekong Delta provinces eager to transform. 

Don’t miss your chance to participate in one of the most comprehensive logistics networking platforms in Vietnam. The event is now open for visit registration: https://vilog.vn/en/registration-visitors/  

Contact us (media@cplusconsult.com) should you need to reserve a booth.