DHL Express, the world’s leading international express service provider, has officially inaugurated its new Hanoi Gateway near the capital’s Noi Bai International Airport. With total investment of €11.7 million ($12.86 million), the significant milestone underscores its commitment to facilitating global trade for Vietnam while deepening its contribution to eco-friendly business practices.

The newly-relocated Hanoi Gateway is double the size of the old warehouse, with an impressive 4,500 sq m of total utilization space. Its peak handling capacity has also increased four-fold. The express cargo facility is complemented by a well-established national service network, including another gateway in Ho Chi Minh City, ten service centers, 17 service points, and 25 dedicated flights a week. Moreover, it is part of DHL’s 50 gateways in Asia-Pacific, supported by four main hubs: the Central Asia Hub in Hong Kong (China), the North Asia Hub in Shanghai (China), the South Asia Hub in Singapore, and the Bangkok Hub in Thailand.

“We are convinced of Vietnam’s growth potential and continued rise as a global manufacturing hub,” said Mr. Bernardo Bautista, General Director and Country Manager at DHL Express Vietnam. “Despite the volatile economic landscape, DHL Express has remained focused on providing stable and reliable international express shipping services. This strategic investment is testament to our strong support for customers’ growth, bolstering interconnectivity between Vietnam and the rest of the world. We anticipate that this will open doors to many opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises.”

With sustainability at the core of DHL’s business, the new carbon-neutral Hanoi Gateway aligns with the Group’s net-zero emissions target by 2050. It features 275 solar panels on the roof, generating an estimated 120 kWh per hour, reducing 70 tons of carbon emissions each year. The facility also employs high-efficiency equipment, including IE3 motors for conveyors (denoting “Premium Efficiency” for electric motors), 100 per cent LED lighting, electric forklifts, and green air-conditioning systems utilizing variable refrigerant volume technology. Its building management system software monitors and automatically controls electricity consumption, further promoting energy efficiency.

Mr. Mark Komene, Senior Director for Operations at DHL Express Vietnam, commented that delivering sustainably is always DHL’s mission as a logistics leader. “The Hanoi Gateway is an important step in our sustainability roadmap towards a cleaner and greener future,” he said. “With a bigger space, the facility can handle a lot more shipments, allowing us to increase our operational efficiency while minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. We are proud to work together with our customers to make practical contributions to the environment.”

In the broader economic landscape, forecasts from the World Bank earlier this year pointed to a promising upswing in Vietnam’s export prospects, driven by improved growth in China, the US, and the EU alongside robust global demand. Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions impacting international trade dynamics, recent data as of October reveals resilient performance. Vietnam’s total exports and imports reached $557.95 billion and it posted a trade surplus of $24.61 billion, marking a significant 157 per cent year-on-year increase.

This positive trajectory is in sync with Vietnam’s proactive engagement in pivotal international trade agreements, including the ASEAN Free Trade Area, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity. The outlook remains optimistic, underscoring Vietnam’s resilience and strategic positioning in the global economic landscape. As a vital cog in the supply chain of most companies in Vietnam, DHL Express has continuously been investing in its people and infrastructure to grow in tandem with the country, empowering local businesses and placing them in a favorable position when global trade recovers.