Việt Nam, Japan forge strategic alliance to form cold-chain logistics hub

Việt Nam, Japan forge strategic alliance to form cold-chain logistics hub

The integrated model creates a closed value chain right at the gateway to the Mekong Delta.

The strategic alliance signing ceremony on September 18. — VNA/VNS Photo

Tây Ninh-based Toan Phat Logistics Joint Stock Company (TPL) on September 18 signed a strategic alliance with Japan’s Kawanishi Warehouse Co Ltd and MOL Logistics Co Ltd, a member of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, on September 18 to create the Mekong Logistics Hub, designed to pioneer a closed-loop and comprehensive cold-chain system in Việt Nam.

The integrated model creates a closed value chain right at the gateway to the Mekong Delta, TPL CEO Vương Hiếu said, elaborating that instead of transporting goods to various sites, businesses could save their time and transport costs by having irradiation and cold storage at the same place, helping reduce the risk of supply chain disruption.

Besides, the model is expected to upgrade Việt Nam’s existing export routes, further elevating the country’s agro-fishery product supply chain on the global stage, he added.

The Japanese partners described cold storage as a critical factor for the future growth of agricultural and aquatic exports, which require stringent temperature management.

With the adjacent irradiation facility of Toan Phat, one of the few licensed in Việt Nam to irradiate fruit, this integrated model offers a unique one-stop solution in the market, Representative Director & President and CEO of MOL Logistics Co Ltd Osamu Sakurada said, stressing it will also help elevate Việt Nam’s logistics infrastructure.

The Mekong Logistics Hub will continue perfecting its services to provide comprehensive supply chain services from irradiation and cold storage to domestic transport and seaport connectivity, helping shorten export routes, reduce costs and increase competitiveness.

The alliance's long-term vision is to turn the Mekong Logistics Hub into a critical cold cargo transshipment centre for ASEAN, opening a new era where Vietnamese agricultural and aquatic products are positioned for brand recognition and quality on the global map, and delivering on the goal of US$ 65 billion in agro-forestry-fishery exports this year.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Mekong Delta accounts for around 30 per cent of southern Việt Nam’s cold storage facilities and about half of the country’s total capacity, concentrated mainly in Tây Ninh. 

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