If you ship goods out of Vietnam, you know the paperwork can be a headache. But the legal framework for transit is already in place—the real issue is that it doesn't work as one system.
The Vietnam Logistics Business Association (VLA) points out that Vietnam is part of several regional agreements: the ASEAN Framework Agreement on the Facilitation of Goods in Transit (AFAFGIT) and the Greater Mekong Subregion Cross-Border Transport Facilitation Agreement (GMS-CBTA). On a bilateral level, Vietnam has transit deals with Laos, China, and Cambodia.
Having all these agreements doesn't mean your cargo moves smoothly. VLA says the problem is a lack of coordination—procedures, documents, and control mechanisms aren't aligned, and different agencies don't talk to each other enough. The solution isn't to add more agreements; it's to make the existing ones work better.
One model VLA highlights is the TIR Convention. TIR shows three things that matter: simplifying procedures to cut repeated checks at borders, keeping customs control while easing trade, and connecting across borders so goods move through multiple countries on a more unified system. China's experience with TIR is cited as a reference, but the point isn't to copy it—it's to learn and find a solution that balances trade facilitation with effective management.
For shippers, the takeaway is practical: the legal tools exist, but you'll only see the benefits when agencies actually coordinate. That's not happening yet.
VLA also sees an opportunity for Da Nang. As supply chains shift to multiple hubs for resilience, Da Nang could become a gateway linking land transport with sea logistics. To make that happen, VLA says three things need to come together: favorable policies, synchronized infrastructure (including Lien Chieu Port, a free trade zone, and a multimodal logistics network), and a collaborative ecosystem involving the government, businesses, investors, associations, and international partners. If those align, the result would be smoother cargo flows, more investment confidence, and stronger competitiveness.
But here's what's missing: VLA's presentation at a side event of the Da Nang International Logistics Forum 2026 didn't give a timeline for any procedural changes or coordination mechanisms. There were no details on specific bottlenecks at border crossings. So for now, businesses are still waiting for concrete action from regulators.
What does this mean for you? Don't expect overnight improvements. Keep an eye on VLA and Da Nang authorities for next steps—when policies do tighten up, you'll want to be ready to take advantage.