GREEN FREIGHT AND LOGISTICS DEVELOPMENT IN MEKONG COUNTRIES

The Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) has experienced significant growth in population, trade, and infrastructure, with over US$21 billion invested in connectivity as of 2017. This has driven intra-GMS trade to US$951 billion, yet logistics costs remain high—between 17–25% of GDP—compared to OECD benchmarks. Road transport, the primary mode of freight movement, has fueled logistics expansion but has also contributed to rising greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 20% of energy-related emissions in the region. Despite notable progress, the sector continues to face challenges in fuel efficiency, competitiveness, and environmental sustainability. To address these issues, there is a growing demand for advanced logistics solutions and smarter supply chain management. These efforts align with the GMS Transport Sector Strategy 2030, which envisions a seamless, efficient, and low-carbon transport system supporting sustainable regional development.  Read more...