This marks the first time that senior defense leaders from both nations have visited a high-tech civilian logistics model located right at the border area, demonstrating their special interest in bilateral initiatives linking economic development and security, and emphasizing the vital role of modern logistics in promoting trade, economic connectivity, and regional stability.

During the working session, the Ministers highly appreciated the successful implementation of Vietnam’s first smart border gate model at Viettel Logistics Park, which integrates infrastructure, modern technology, and management with the key Vietnam–China trade route via Huu Nghi – Huu Nghi Guan Border Gate. This model is considered a strategic link in the cross-border supply chain.

Invested by the Viettel Group, Viettel Logistics Park is the first large-scale smart logistics center in the Dong Dang – Lang Son Border Economic Zone. Thanks to its favorable location — directly connected to National Highway 1A, the Hanoi–Lang Son–Cao Bang expressway, and the international railway line — it plays a strategic gateway role in northern Vietnam, directly linking Vietnam with China’s Guangxi and Yunnan provinces.

After more than two months of operation, the model has proven its practical efficiency. Export clearance times have been shortened to 30 minutes — 40% faster than before. Import processing times have been reduced by nearly half compared to previous averages. As a result, export services now handle an average of 100 vehicles per day, aiming for 300 vehicles per day in 2025, accounting for 35–40% of the area’s market share.

The long-term goal for Viettel Logistics Park is to increase capacity to 1,500 vehicles per day, paving the way for the development of a trans-Asia–Europe–Africa logistics corridor aligned with the Belt and Road Initiative.

Notably, advanced technologies such as real-time management, automated vehicle routing, contactless control gates, security monitoring platforms, cross-border e-commerce sorting systems, and electronic data sharing platforms have helped the model approach the operational standards of smart logistics centers in China and OECD countries.

Mr. Tao Duc Thang, Chairman and CEO of Viettel Group, emphasized:
“Technology is the key to realizing 24/7 customs clearance. Viettel is ready to collaborate with relevant authorities to expand the smart border gate model, creating a breakthrough in cross-border trade and integrating economic development with national defense and security.”

At the session, representatives from both Ministries of Defense affirmed that the development of smart logistics not only serves commercial purposes but also represents a strategic tool for building trust, stabilizing supply chains, and ensuring regional economic security.

The establishment and effective operation of Viettel Logistics Park demonstrate Vietnam’s readiness and determination to promote a model of exemplary logistics cooperation, while opening opportunities for the two sides to develop mechanisms for electronic customs connectivity, transparent data sharing, and standardized cross-border procedures.

Viettel Logistics Park is managed and operated by Viettel Post Corporation (Viettel Post), with the vision of becoming an international logistics hub.

The 9th Vietnam–China Border Defense Friendship Exchange took place from April 16 to 17, 2025, in Lang Son Province (Vietnam) and Guangxi Province (China), aiming to strengthen defense relations and border cooperation between the two countries.