Forum focuses on smart supply chain on Eastern expressway axis

At a forum theming "Industrial Parks on the Eastern Expressway Axis 2024: Linking and Promoting Smart Manufacturing Supply Chains," held on December 12, experts discussed solutions to promote smart manufacturing supply chains in sub-regional industrial parks.

This aims to open opportunities for industrial parks along the Eastern expressway to connect effectively with global smart manufacturing supply chains.

The Eastern Expressway Axis links Hanoi to the northern port city of Hai Phong and the coatal province of Quang Ninh.

Speaking at the forum, Mr. Pham Tan Cong, Chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), said that in July 2022, the Agreement on  Eastern Expressway Axis Economic Connection (VEHEC) was signed between VCCI and four localities, including the centrally-run city of Hai Phong and three northern provinces: Quang Ninh, Hai Duong, and Hung Yen.

“This is a pioneering sub-regional connectivity model, aimed at establishing a coordination mechanism to optimize resources, exploit the strengths of each province, and enhance inter-provincial cooperation within the VEHEC region, thereby maximizing the economic potential of the region," he stated.

According to Mr. Cong, VEHEC is an important economic driving force for northern Vietnam. The region's overall GRDP growth rate in recent years has been high, ranging from 9% to 12% per year, higher than the average GRDP of the country's 63 provinces and centrally-run cities.

In the first 9 months of 2024, VEHEC members have maintained high growth rates with Hai Phong city (9.77%), Quang Ninh (8.02%), Hai Duong (9.31%), and Hung Yen (8.07%), significantly exceeding the national rate of 6.82%.

VEHEC localities also lead the country in attracting FDI, with major projects from Samsung, LG, Foxconn, and other multinational corporations. The investment environment is increasingly transparent and favorable, especially due to administrative reform policies and support for businesses.

However, linking and promoting smart manufacturing supply chains remains a challenge for businesses in the four localities along the Eastern expressway axis, as well as for the country as a whole.

Therefore, it is necessary to quickly find solutions to address the difficulties related to technology, investment costs for developing smart manufacturing chains, and building green industrial parks in businesses and industrial parks in the area.