HAFFA, Vietnam IILS sign MoU to boost logistics cooperation

The Hongkong Association of Freight Forwarding and Logistics (HAFFA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Vietnam International Institute of Logistics & Supply Chain (IILS) to strengthen cooperation and support the development of the freight and logistics industry between Hong Kong and Vietnam.

The agreement aims to establish a framework for cooperation to promote bilateral trade development, international multimodal transport corridors and coordinated problem-solving. It also covers consultation and information exchange, experience sharing and training initiatives.

The MoU was signed on May 28, 2026, by HAFFA Chairman Gary Lau and Le Van Hy, President of Vietnam IILS, during the Global Event Logistics Summit (GELS) in Bangkok, Thailand. The signing was witnessed by Bradford Lee, Associate Director, Merchandise Trade and Innovation at the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.

Following the signing, Lau and HAFFA Vice Chairlady Janet Ng held discussions with delegates from Vietnam IILS to strengthen partnership ties.  Commenting on the agreement, Lau said HAFFA looked forward to future opportunities for cooperation with Vietnam IILS and to strengthening coordination in logistics and transportation to improve cargo flow, shorten transit and logistics times, reduce costs and improve service quality. He added that HAFFA also aimed to expand information exchange and maintain close cooperation to achieve shared objectives.

Le Van Hy, President of Vietnam IILS, said the partnership has clear complementarity, with Hong Kong serving as an experienced international logistics hub while Vietnam is emerging as a manufacturing, export and transshipment base in the region. He said the cooperation would go beyond institutional connectivity and include knowledge exchange, professional standards, human resource development and business networking.

He added that IILS would contribute in three key areas: research and policy advisory, training and capacity building, and connecting business ecosystems, academic institutions and experts in Vietnam and overseas. Le Van Hy said the MoU is expected to become an open platform that helps translate international experience into practical capabilities for Vietnamese logistics enterprises.

HAFFA said cooperation with Vietnam IILS is expected to create more opportunities for members and the wider industry, while supporting further exchanges and development in logistics and supply chain activities between Hong Kong and Vietnam.

Established in 1966, HAFFA has nearly 300 corporate members and is responsible for setting industry standards and providing educational courses to improve professional standards among freight forwarders and logistics service providers.