| Abstract | The two-way trade flow between Vietnam and China has been increasing dramatically year by year. China is the biggest trader of Vietnam, and Vietnam is the most important trader of Yuannan province of China. The large part of freight amount between two countries go through Lao Cain international border gate. Moreover, Lao Cai locates at the center of the economic corridor from Kunming (Yuannan) to Hai Phong port (Vietnam). Lao Cai has a strategic position to develop, and with the heavy investment from the Vietnamese government. But, in the fact, Lao Cai is as a bottleneck for the two countries and the corridor due to the weak logistics condition in Lao Cai. From these problems, finding solutions to develop the existing logistics condition in Lao Cai is the purpose of this study. This research was conducted by case study methodology to fulfill three study objectives. Firstly, assessment criteria for a Lao Cai border logistics hub were developed and verified by logistics experts. Secondly, following the developed assessment criteria, the data collected for Lao Cai logistics were revealed and explained. The SWOT analysis method was also used to deeply understand the existing logistics condition in Lao Cai. Finally, based on the assessment results, recommendations for improvement of Lao Cai were proposed. The result of this study found that Lao Cai province is main gate for the trade flow between Vietnam, ASEAN countries and China. Lao Cai is one of international border gates, which Vietnamese government concentrates investment. However, the existing logistics performance of Lao Cai is still in the initial stage. Obviously, as a border and mountainous province, the infrastructure system (transportation, telecommunication, customs facilities, and warehousing) condition in Lao Cai is inefficient. Indeed, the workforce capability is also one of impediments for Lao Cai development, with the lack of skilled and knowledgeable labor force. Moreover, the deficiencies of logistics services have curtailed the good chance to attract logistics providers and users come to Lao Cai |