The Asia Battle: Vietnam vs Established Regional Distribution Hubs

In the competitive arena of regional distribution centres (RDCs) in the Asia Pacific region, Vietnam is emerging as a formidable contender, challenging the supremacy of established hubs like Hong Kong, Singapore, and Shanghai. As companies seek the optimal location to streamline their supply chains, Vietnam’s rise as a potential hub demands a closer examination of its advantages and drawbacks compared to these tried-and-true alternatives.

Vietnam’s economic journey from a struggling nation to a vibrant middle-income economy is truly remarkable. This transformation has been fueled by the country’s commitment to economic openness and reform, propelling its growth at an impressive average rate of over 6.8% annually from 1990 to 2019. Through these efforts, Vietnam has emerged from obscurity to take centre stage on the global economic platform. A key driver of its ascent is the allure of a cost-effective labour force. With approximately 60 million workers and a labour force participation rate of 76 percent, Vietnam presents a compelling proposition for businesses seeking efficiency. The country’s competitive minimum wages, ranging from US$140 to US$202, solidify its position as an attractive alternative to prominent counterparts like Hong Kong, Singapore, and Shanghai where labour is obviously much more expensive and where wages have been on à steady rise for years..

Vietnam’s geographic positioning also holds immense significance in the realm of logistics. Nestled at the crossroads of major shipping routes in Asia and facing pivotal economies like China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan across the South China Sea, Vietnam’s strategic location serves as a linchpin in the web of global supply chains. This advantageous placement aligns seamlessly with the “China +1” strategy, where companies are actively diversifying their production networks beyond China’s borders. This strategy has ushered in a paradigm shift, propelling Vietnam into the limelight as a favoured destination. China’s escalating production costs and labour shortages have magnified the appeal of Vietnam’s cost-competitive labour market and business-conducive atmosphere, drawing substantial foreign investments.

Despite its promising potential, Vietnam faces certain hurdles on its journey to becoming a prime regional distribution centre (RDC). Bureaucracy, corruption, a shortage of skilled manpower, and infrastructural limitations loom as challenges on the horizon, demanding strategic solutions. Meanwhile, in the well-established realm of regional distribution centres, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Shanghai have held their positions as unrivalled contenders. These cities, renowned for their financial prominence and robust infrastructure, have been a magnet for multinational corporations. However, their eminence comes at a cost – higher operating expenses and escalating competition for resources. When conducting a comprehensive comparison, Vietnam’s appeal as an emerging RDC destination gains clarity. With a cost-effective labour force, strategic geographical advantage, and integral role in the China +1 strategy, Vietnam presents a compelling proposition. While Hong Kong, Singapore, and Shanghai boast well-developed infrastructures, their vulnerability to mounting operational costs and fierce competition underscore the unique advantages that Vietnam brings to the table.

In the battle for regional distribution supremacy, Vietnam’s rise is indicative of its potential to redefine the dynamics of supply chain operations in the Asia Pacific region. For businesses seeking a strategic location that combines affordability, connectivity, and growth opportunities, Vietnam offers a competitive edge. However, making an informed decision requires careful evaluation of each location’s unique strengths and challenges. As global trade continues to evolve, businesses will need to balance factors such as labour costs, infrastructure, geopolitical stability, and resilience to create a winning distribution strategy.