On the occasion of the New Year 2009, Vietnam Business Forum reporter had an exchange talk with Mr Paul Hoogwaerts, General Director of Maersk Vietnam.
Could you please briefly highlight Maersk’s achievements and difficulties in 2008?
This year has been a roller coaster year. It started with a steady pace building on the momentum of 2007. In May, June, July however we were confronted with an enormous influx of import cargoes that -for all sorts of reason- the receivers had trouble clearing. This resulted in the port areas exceeding their capacities and bringing down the port productivity. Due to slower exchange vessels left in delay, returned in delay only to find their berth still occupied. Maersk Line has worked very closely with the other members of the port community instilling measures to clear imports faster so as to ensure an efficient export process.
We have also worked very hard in 2008. Maersk Line management in Copenhagen has empowered the countries to make a number of business decisions independently. We have reshaped our team, putting focus on the voice of the customer. We have drastically improved our customer service by faster turn times on the whole cycle, from booking to invoicing. We measure to manage and always strive for constant improvements. I am very proud of my people here.
What do you think are Vietnam’s economic achievements since you came to Vietnam? What should Vietnamese Government do to boost the development of logistics services?
I have been involved in shipping in Vietnam since mid 2000 when I was still working for P&O Nedlloyd and also had management responsibility for Vietnam. Starting from that moment there has been tremendous progress. A port like Cat Lai didn't even exist back then. As exports and imports have grown so rapidly, a lot more still needs to be done. Infrastructure development simply hasn't kept up with the economic boom of the past years. Even though there is a temporary dip, one should not think the problem is over and I can only encourage Vietnam to continue to invest in infrastructure to be ready when the volumes return.
Simplifying and harmonizing the customs code is essential for bringing logistics costs down. The investment will be small and the benefits to the business are huge.
The Government should work with the private sector to train people in the logistics sector. The basis needs to be much stronger and one should see that the transport and logistics field is an attractive field to work in. Maersk has a programme whereby Vietnamese talent is offered learning opportunities in an international management development programme.
Maersk is a stably expanding foreign enterprise in Vietnam. What does Maersk plan to occupy Vietnamese market?
We are already active in Liner shipping, in both long haul as well as Intra Asia. We offer freight forwarding; import/export logistics; warehousing and distribution. We can pretty much solve anyone's transportation problem. In Vietnam we have 5 sales offices and we have a global network with online, real time visibility. These are the strengths that we will be building on, both at home and abroad.
Hoang Phan
Vietnamese
