Page 242 - Ebook HTKH 2024

HEADING TO GREEN TRANSPORTATION THROUGH

DEVELOPING INLAND WATERWAY TRANSPORTATION IN
MEKONG RIVER DELTA

110
Nguyen Thi Van Ha , Hoang Huong Giang
111

Abstract: The Mekong River Delta has the highest density of waterways in the country, formed
from two main river systems along the longitudinal axis- Tien and Hau Rivers, and the horizontal
waterways with a total of nearly 14,900km in length. Despite having the strength in natural resources
for inland waterway transportation, this type of transportation is still of limited use thanks to the lack of
vision, the limitation of systematic investment, the connectivity with other modes of transport, … while
road and sea transport are overloaded in the Mekong Delta. This article will analyze the current
situation of inland waterway transportation, then give recommendations in order to develop and extend
inland waterway transportation in the green transportation direction in Mekong River Delta.
Keywords: Green logistics, green transportation, inland waterway transportation, Mekong river
delta

1. Introduction
The Mekong Delta constitutes a pivotal component within the southern key
economic region which is a particularly important strategic area in terms of politics,
economics - society, culture, defense - security and foreign affairs of the country.
Furthermore, this region is regarded as the "Southernmost region - the Citadel of
Vietnam," serving as the southwestern gateway of Vietnam. In order to promote the

potential and advantages of the region in the coming time and to support the Mekong
Delta to develop quickly and sustainably, besides the general development policies and
guidelines for the whole country, the Government now focuses on concretizing
Resolution No. 13-NQ/TW, dated April 2, 2022, of the Politburo, "On the direction of
socio-economic development and ensuring national defense and security in the Mekong
Delta until 2030, vision to 2045” in which concerns about the development of not only

logistics but also the whole economy of the region [1].
Different from other types of transportation, inland waterway transportation is
commonly used in the Mekong Delta region thanks to the natural priority with the
intricate river system and a long tradition of transportation. Nonetheless, this
transportation mode has not received adequate investment and has not been thoroughly
utilized. This article will analyze the current situation of the inland waterway
transportation of the Mekong Delta region and propose some solutions to optimize and

enhance inland waterway transport in the direction of green and sustainable logistics.
2. Literature review and methodology
2.1. Green logistics
Green logistics is a relatively new concept, first mentioned in the 1980s and under
many different aspects and approaches, this concept is constantly being

110 University of Transport and Communications Thuongmai University, Email: nguyenha@utc.edu.vn
111 Thuongmai University
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