In implementation of the Ministry of Construction’s 2026 cooperation plan approved by the Prime Minister, from March 31st to April 3rd, 2026, delegation from the Ministry of Construction led by Deputy Minister Le Anh Tuan, attended the International Transport and Logistics Forum (ITLF) organized by the Government of the Russian Federation.
The International Transport and Logistics Forum, held in Saint Petersburg, is a new initiative of the Government of the Russian Federation aimed at establishing a high-level dialogue platform on strategic issues in the global transport and logistics sector. It seeks to promote connectivity among countries, strengthen cooperation between the public and private sectors, and identify solutions to enhance supply chain efficiency amid a rapidly changing international economic and geopolitics.
Deputy Minister Le Anh Tuan attended the Forum.
The forum focused on discussions about the development of international transport corridors, emphasizing the role of Asia–Europe connectivity routes and strategic corridors such as the North–South corridor, which contributed to reshaping regional and global logistics networks. The discussion sessions highlighted the need to strengthen intermodal connectivity, improve infrastructure, and enhance transshipment capacity to meet the growing flow of international trade.
In addition, the forum also focused on issues such as optimizing supply chains and developing multimodal transportation; solutions to reduce logistics costs; enhancing the flexibility of the transportation system; improving resilience against disruptions in global supply chains; developing integrated logistics hubs; and ensuring efficient connectivity between road, rail, maritime, and air transport.
The presentations at the forum focused on several key issues: digital transformation in the transport and logistics sector; the role of big data, digital platforms, and automation in improving management efficiency, optimizing operations, and enhancing supply chain transparency; and the development of a synchronized digital ecosystem among countries, aiming for cross-border connectivity and data sharing.
Russian President Putin delivered an online speech at the Forum.
The forum also addressed the improvement of institutional frameworks and the harmonization of regulations in international transport. Discussions focused on the need to simplify procedures, reduce administrative barriers, and establish common standards to facilitate the movement of goods and passengers between countries. This is considered a key factor in enhancing the efficiency of international transport corridors.
Within the framework of the forum, Deputy Minister Lê Anh Tuấn held talks with Russian Deputy Minister of Transport Vladimir Poteshkin on amending the Air Services Agreement between the two countries and further promoting cooperation in the aviation sector between Vietnam and the Russian Federation.
Both sides acknowledged the positive results in bilateral aviation cooperation in recent years, particularly the restoration of direct flights since 2023 and the strong growth of the air transport market between the two countries. In 2025, airlines from both sides operated more than 3,100 flights, transporting over 800,000 passengers and more than 3,000 tons of cargo, demonstrating significant potential in this field.
Deputy Minister Lê Anh Tuấn presented a gift to Russian Deputy Minister of Transport Vladimir Poteshkin.
On that basis, the Vietnamese side proposed that both parties soon accelerate negotiations, finalize, and sign a new Air Services Agreement to create a more favorable legal framework for airline operations. At the same time, Vietnam asked the Russian side to consider facilitating Vietnamese airlines in their operations and transit activities in the Russian market, thereby improving operational efficiency and strengthening air connectivity between the two countries.
Both sides agreed to continue assigning specialized agencies to coordinate and finalize the draft Agreement and a new Memorandum of Understanding, aiming for signing them in the near future, thereby promoting the substantive, effective and sustainable Vietnam - Russian Federation aviation cooperation.
In particular, under the authorization of the Prime Minister of the Government of Vietnam and the Prime Minister of the Government of the Russian Federation, Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Construction Lê Anh Tuấn and Russian Minister of Transport Andrey Nikitin signed a Protocol amending the Merchant Shipping Agreement between the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Government of the Russian Federation, originally signed on May 27, 1993.
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Authorized by the Prime Ministers of both countries, Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Construction Lê Anh Tuấn and Russian Minister of Transport Andrey Nikitin signed a Protocol amending the Merchant Shipping Agreement between both countries.
The signing of the Protocol will further facilitate maritime transport between Vietnam and the Russian Federation, focusing on updating provisions related to seafarers’ identification documents to meet practical requirements. The Protocol also opens up new cooperation opportunities aimed at connecting port systems and maritime shipping routes between the two countries.
In recent years, maritime cooperation between Vietnam and the Russian Federation has continued to achieve positive results, including enhancement connectivity and the expansion of shipping routes between enterprises of the two countries; research on developing interregional transport corridors, particularly those linking Asia and Europe; and cooperation in developing modern, synchronized seaport systems and logistics infrastructure, thereby improving international connectivity capacity.
On that basis, Vietnam proposed that both sides promptly complete the procedures for the Protocol amending the Maritime Trade Agreement to take effect, while strengthening cooperation in areas such as shipbuilding, seaport development, and maritime transport. Both sides also agreed to continue facilitating cargo transport, promoting bilateral trade, and supporting maritime transport businesses in each country, especially in the context of international supply chains and maritime transport being significantly impacted by regional and global situations.
The meetings and signings carried out during this working visit are expected to create new momentum, contributing to the more comprehensive, substantive, and effective development of transport cooperation between Vietnam and the Russian Federation in the coming period.