Vietnam has signed many agreements on transit transport, but goods still do not move seamlessly across borders. The problem is not a lack of mechanisms, but the connectivity between them.
Legal framework exists, but not synchronized
According to the Vietnam Logistics Business Association (VLA), at the regional level, Vietnam participates in AFAFGIT – the ASEAN Framework Agreement on the Facilitation of Goods in Transit – and GMS-CBTA – the agreement facilitating the cross-border transport of people and goods among the Greater Mekong Subregion countries. At the bilateral level, Vietnam has transit agreements with Laos, China, and Cambodia.
But having many agreements does not mean the journey of goods is smooth. The VLA points out that the issue to improve is the synchronization between procedures, documents, control mechanisms, and coordination among agencies. In other words, the direction is not to add more mechanisms, but to make existing platforms operate more effectively.
TIR: Lessons in simplification and control
One international experience mentioned by the VLA is the TIR Convention. TIR shows three notable elements: first, simplification, reducing repeated procedures and checks when crossing multiple borders; second, guarantee and control, both facilitating trade and maintaining customs management requirements; third, cross-border connectivity, helping goods move across multiple countries on a more unified system.
The VLA also cited China's implementation of TIR as a reference experience for the region. However, the message is not to copy a model, but to learn to find suitable solutions, balancing trade facilitation and effective management.
Da Nang: Opportunity from cross-border connectivity
In the trend of supply chains shifting to multiple hubs to increase resilience, Da Nang has the opportunity to become a gateway connecting land transport with sea-oriented logistics. According to the VLA's vision, to turn potential into competitive advantage, three elements must converge: favorable policies, synchronized infrastructure (including Lien Chieu Port, a free trade zone, and a multimodal logistics network), and a cooperative ecosystem involving government, businesses, investors, associations, and international partners.
When these three elements connect, the goal is smoother goods flows, greater investment confidence, and higher competitiveness.
What is missing
The VLA's presentation at a side event of the Da Nang International Logistics Forum 2026 did not specify a timeline for changes in procedures or coordination mechanisms. Nor were there details on specific bottlenecks at border gates. That means businesses still have to wait for concrete actions from management agencies.
For logistics professionals in Vietnam, the message is clear: the legal framework is ready, but real benefits only come when agencies truly coordinate smoothly. Following the next steps of the VLA and Da Nang authorities will help businesses seize opportunities when policies are tightened.