SME  /  TECH & INNOVATION

By Kawal Preet | August 19, 2025

Vietnam’s strategic trade partnerships, innovative logistics ecosystem, and thriving SMEs are redefining the country’s future in global commerce.

• Vietnam is rapidly transforming into a logistics and trade hub through strong global partnerships and infrastructure investments.
• FedEx is strengthening its commitment to Vietnam with faster transit times, Direct Serve operations, and community investments.
• Resilient SMEs and digital logistics integration are key to Vietnam’s growing role in international trade.

Vietnam has weathered its share of economic headwinds, from the 2012 credit crunch and banking crisis to the more recent shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic. But each time, the country has bounced back stronger. It was among the few economies in Asia to post positive growth in 2020. That same spirit of determination is evident in our FedEx team in Vietnam, from our couriers and engineers to our leaders on the ground.

In the past year alone, I’ve had the opportunity to visit Vietnam four times, including with senior leaders such as Jill Brannon, our Chief Sales Officer; Richard Smith, the FedEx COO for International and CEO for Airline; and the late Fred Smith, the founder of FedEx. Each visit reinforced one thing: Vietnam is growing and evolving with a clear purpose, unwavering energy, and a powerful vision for what’s to come.

A strategic hub for global trade

Vietnam is quickly transitioning from an emerging economy to a powerhouse in global trade and manufacturing. With a young, digitally skilled workforce and deepening international trade partnerships, Vietnam is fast becoming a vital logistics hub in Asia. Its vision of becoming a high-value distribution center for Southeast Asia aligns closely with FedEx’s mission to help businesses win through smarter, faster global connections.

This evolution is evident in how Vietnam engages with the world. For example, the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) has been a catalyst for trade with Europe, providing Vietnamese exporters access to over 400 million consumers while offering European firms a strategic foothold in Asia.

FedEx is playing a key role in this transformation. We’ve enhanced our flight routes from Ho Chi Minh City to key European markets, cutting transit times by up to two business days. These improvements greatly benefit small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), who can now reach global customers faster, more reliably, and more competitively.

Deepening our commitment through Direct Serve

In June 2025, we launched our Direct Serve model in Vietnam, a major milestone that brings us even closer to our customers. This customer-centric model strengthens our operational capabilities, improves our market responsiveness, and enhances visibility and transparency. More importantly, this direct-serve model puts us closer to the people and businesses we serve every day.

These efforts are part of what we call “Transformation as Usual”, our ongoing commitment to help businesses adapt to a changing world. Beyond moving packages, we provide the global reach and logistics support that businesses in Vietnam need to thrive and compete internationally.

Community connections that matter

One of the most memorable moments during my visit to Vietnam happened far from an office or operations hub. At the Anh Sang Orphanage in Ho Chi Minh City, alongside regional leaders and volunteers from our Vietnam team, we built and gifted bicycles for the children who call the orphanage home.

That afternoon of joy, laughter, and shared stories reminded me of why we do what we do. Beyond logistics, our mission is about people and possibilities. FedEx Cares, our global community engagement program, reflects our commitment to supporting educational access and building resilient communities, especially for young people.

By empowering young people with the tools to learn and thrive, we help shape the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers who will further Vietnam’s growth.

Logistics innovation for long-term growth

Vietnam’s transformation also relies on strategic investments in infrastructure and logistics innovation, built on a foundation of ambition. From the development of Long Thanh International Airport to policies supporting public-private partnerships, Vietnam is laying the foundation for its long-term success.

What stands out the most is the country’s push toward digital integration in logistics. From multimodal transport systems to smart tracking and automation, Vietnam is steadily building a next-generation logistics ecosystem that enables trade efficiency and resilience. These advances help improve service levels and provide greater opportunities for local SMEs to grow and compete globally.

At FedEx, we’re investing in this ecosystem by expanding capacity, introducing technology innovations, and aligning with Vietnam’s national goals. More than just a market where we operate, we view Vietnam as a key trade partner shaping the future of commerce in Asia and beyond.

A shared path forward

Vietnam’s growth is powered by people, partnerships, and possibilities. At FedEx, we’re proud to support Vietnam’s potential rise as a global logistics leader. Backed by key infrastructure developments, comprehensive trade agreements, and a clear national vision for growth, Vietnam is steadily positioning itself as a key player on the global stage. And we’re here to help deliver on that future by strengthening the connections between Vietnam and the world.