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| Ms Manivone Sitthixay (left) and Dr Yap Kwong Weng display signed agreements on cooperation in cross-border transport of farm products. |
Laos’ Sitthi Logistics, Singapore-based YCH Group partner in cross-border transport of farm products to boost ASEAN connectivity
A leading Lao logistics service provider, Sitthi Logistics, and the Singapore-based YCH Group on April 10 signed a landmark strategic cooperation agreement on the cross-border transportation of agricultural products between Southeast Asia and China.
The agreement signing ceremony, held in Vientiane, was attended by the Vice President of Sitthi Logistics, Mr Viengkhone Sitthixay; Vice President of Khouanchay Trading Import-Export (KCC), Ms Manivone Sitthixay; Managing Director of the Thanaleng Dry Port, Mr Sakhone Philangam; the CEO of Vietnam SuperPort™ and Head of Group Strategy, Sustainability, and Communications at the YCH Group, Dr Yap Kwong Weng; and other key representatives from both companies.
The agreement marks the beginning of a significant initiative to advance supply chain integration across the ASEAN region, starting with the efficient movement of fresh fruit from Thailand to China via Laos.
The move is prompted by Laos’ positioning as an important trade gateway between the 10-member ASEAN bloc and China, driven by the building of the Laos-China Railway which became operational in 2021 and connects to the Laos-Thailand railway at the Thanaleng Dry Port in Vientiane – Laos’ integrated logistics centre.
Looking ahead, the partnership also plans to leverage the Vietnam SuperPort™, an 83-hectare multimodal logistics hub located in Vinh Phuc Province, Vietnam.
Developed as a joint venture between the YCH Group and the T&T Group, the Vietnam SuperPort™ will serve as a vital gateway to facilitate seamless connectivity between China and ASEAN, integrating air, sea, road, and rail networks.
The collaboration comes at a time when agricultural trade between China and ASEAN nations is poised for further growth, driven by China’s growing demand for diverse agricultural products to meet the rapidly rising needs of its consumer market.
Additionally, regional trade agreements, such as the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA), continue to bolster intra-regional agricultural trade amid the newly imposed US tariffs.
Given the perishable nature of many agricultural products, maintaining freshness throughout the supply chain is critical.
The YCH Group will deploy advanced cold chain logistics solutions, incorporating real-time temperature monitoring and tracking systems to maintain product quality and minimise spoilage. These technologies will facilitate the safe and efficient transportation of perishable goods, ensuring the highest quality standards are maintained.
“Our partnership with the YCH Group is instrumental in ensuring the smooth flow of fresh fruit and vegetables between Thailand, Laos, China, and beyond,” Ms Manivone said.
“This agreement reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality products to consumers quickly and in optimal condition.”
Dr Yap Kwong Weng added, “We are thrilled about this important collaboration. By leveraging our multimodal capabilities and strategic assets in the region, we aim to enhance the ASEAN-China trade corridor with an efficient and integrated logistics system, which is vital for sustaining growth in agricultural trade.”
This strategic cooperation between Sitthi Logistics and the YCH Group underscores a commitment to improving regional connectivity and paves the way for further collaborations that will benefit both producers and consumers in the ASEAN and Chinese markets.
About Sitthi Logistics Company Limited
For over 15 years, Sitthi Logistics Lao Co., Ltd. has been instrumental in making Laos a regional logistics hub. Founded in 2009 as a fuel transportation division under Petroleum Trading Lao Public Company (PTL), it has since evolved into a full-service logistics provider, seamlessly connecting Southeast Asia and beyond. Backed by PTL Holding and the Phongsavanh Group, Sitthi Logistics is driving Laos’ transformation from landlocked to land-linked through innovation, operational excellence, and strategic investments. With a strong presence in Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, and China, the company plays a key role in facilitating international trade.
Investments in major projects like the Vientiane Logistics Park and Thanaleng Dry Port highlight its commitment to infrastructure development and trade expansion. More than just a logistics provider, Sitthi Logistics is a strategic partner, delivering secure, efficient, and innovative supply chain solutions.
About Thanaleng Dry Port Sole Company Limited
The Thanaleng Dry Port is Laos’ Class 1 dry port. It is one of the nine dry ports of “international importance” approved in the UNESCAP Intergovernmental Agreement on Dry Ports and is located just one kilometre from the First Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge over the Mekong River. The Thanaleng Dry Port is part of the integrated Vientiane Logistics Park, a flagship project that aims to fulfil the national logistics strategy with the objective of transforming Laos from a land-locked into a land-linked country.
A feasibility study on the project was first carried out by the Japan International Cooperation Agency and then by Royal Haskoning of the Netherlands, and approved by the Lao government in 2020.
About Khouanchay Trading Import-Export Company Limited (KCC)
Khouanchay Trading (KCC) is the leading FMCG distributor offering a one-stop service for market expansion solutions in Laos and the region. With over 20 years of business experience, KCC is the exclusive partner of global brands in various categories such as Personal Care, Baby Care, Beauty & Cosmetics, and Food and Chilled Products. Furthermore, KCC is continuously expanding its business, covering international trade in Fresh Agricultural Products and Fresh Fruit in Laos, Thailand, China and the region.
About the YCH Group
The YCH Group is Singapore’s leading homegrown, end-to-end supply chain solutions partner to some of the world’s largest companies and favourite brands across more than 100 cities in the Asia-Pacific region. YCH focuses on boosting productivity and sustainability for its customers with its proprietary best-in-class suite of award-winning solutions across industries such as fast-moving consumer goods, electronics, chemicals and healthcare, cold chain logistics, and e-commerce. A strong proponent of innovation, YCH is recognised for its 7PL™ approach in seamlessly integrating supply chain strategy with execution.
About the Vietnam SuperPort™
The Vietnam SuperPort™ is an 83-hectare multimodal logistics port in Vinh Phuc Province, developed as a joint venture between the T&T Group and Singapore’s YCH Group. Aiming to become Southeast Asia’s first Net-Zero logistics hub, it integrates clean energy and advanced technologies to enhance Vietnam’s global supply chain connectivity, reduce logistics costs, and boost the nation’s trade competitiveness.
By Advertorial Desk
(Latest Update April 18, 2025)
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