The Ambition: A Modern Central Hub
Can Tho is geographically positioned to be theperfect gateway—connecting rivers, roads, sea routes, and airways. However, thelogistics sector here is currently struggling against major infrastructurebarriers.
The "Chokepoints" Holding the RegionBack
According to the Can Tho Department ofFinance, the city lacks a true regional-scale logistics center. There is no"one-stop-shop" that integrates essential services like cold storage,customs clearance, and digital management. Currently, the industry relies on afragmented network of small, private warehouses.
The root of the problem lies in physicalinfrastructure:
- River Roadblocks: Many bridges are too low, preventing large ships from passing. Crucial waterways are clogged with silt, and the Quan Chanh Bo canal is so narrow that ships must travel slowly in one direction, driving up time and costs.
- Underused Port: Cai Cui Port is large but remains underutilized because it is poorly connected to other transport networks.
- Weak Roads: Many bridges and roads have low weight limits. This means heavy container trucks cannot run efficiently, forcing exporters to send goods on a long, expensive detour through Ho Chi Minh City to reach international markets.
Mr. Huynh Thanh Su, Deputy Director of the CanTho Department of Industry and Trade, warns that these limitations are severelyhurting the competitiveness of goods produced in the Mekong Delta.
The Blueprint for Change
To fulfill its goal of becoming the"nuclear urban center" of the Mekong Delta, Can Tho is rolling out astrategic roadmap focusing on three core solutions:
1. Fixing the Transport Network
The city is prioritizing the completion of aseamless transport system that connects road, river, and air travel.
2. Calling for Major Investors
Can Tho is actively seeking investment forthree "game-changing" logistics projects:
- Cai Cui Port Logistics Center: A 100-hectare hub attached to the main port.
- Aviation Logistics Center: A 100-hectare facility connected to Can Tho International Airport.
- Regional Agro-Hub: A massive 250-hectare center dedicated to processing and preserving farm produce, featuring advanced cold storage technology.
3. The "Super Port" Proposal
The city is urging the central Government tofast-track the Tran De Deep-Water Seaport. This isviewed as a national strategic project. Once built, it will relieve pressure onHo Chi Minh City’s crowded ports and allow the Mekong Delta to export goodsdirectly to the world.
Dr. Nguyen Minh Phuc from the Foreign Trade University notes thatcentralizing logistics in Can Tho is a smart move. It shifts the region from ascattered model to an integrated one, turning Can Tho into a "pivotpoint" that connects local goods to the global market and boosts theentire region's economic power.