Accessing the Logistics Service Competitiveness: A Study on Four Emerging Nations in Southeast Asia

Recently, Southeast Asia (SEA) has become a very attractive region for FDI from developed countries. This trend has led to the rapid development of logistics services. However, in the existing literature, there is very little empirical research to compare SEA countries like for example Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and The Philippines. Current studies mainly focus on a single country or some typical industries. Therefore, a comprehensive model with various attributes able to compare which country is performing a better logistics service is still missing. For this reason, the authors conducted this study with the expectation of providing a model that uses attributes able to make it easier to compare and evaluate the attractiveness of logistics services in each country. To do so, the paper uses AHP theory to set up the research model and a questionnaire to obtain data from 23 experts in the logistics industry. Based on an analysis of the results, Vietnam is the most attractive destination for logistics services. This finding was driven by the importance of the government-related attributes. Thailand because of the country's cost competitiveness proved attractive. The results of the study make it easier for managers to assess and select the best suited country for logistics services.

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