• Vietnam-Czechia trade is entering a new phase, shifting from legacy goods to high-value commodities such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, and medical equipment. 4RCargo, Cathay Cargo’s dedicated GSSA in Czechia, is leveraging deep historical ties and modern demand to strengthen east–west cargo flows.
• 4RCargo is helping SME forwarders enter the airfreight market, offering transparent, tech-enabled support and tailored services that make air cargo more accessible to smaller logistics players traditionally focused on ocean freight.
• Southeast Asia’s growth extends beyond China+1, with 4RCargo positioning itself as a “future-friendly” GSSA—combining digital tools and long-term partnerships to capture the region’s expanding import and export potential.

While Southeast Asia’s air cargo boom is often viewed through the lens of e-commerce and China+1 sourcing, a lesser-known east–west corridor is quietly expanding. The historical and economic ties between Czechia and Vietnam are giving rise to a new phase of bilateral trade, one built not on legacy flows, but high-value commodities, rising consumer demand, and forwarder-focused partnerships. 4RCargo, which has operated in Czechia since 2021 and now serves as Cathay Cargo’s dedicated GSSA in the market, is one of the companies working to translate that momentum into stable air cargo volumes.

“4RCargo has been operating in Czechia since 2021, more recently acting as Cathay Cargo’s dedicated GSSA, and we’ve noticed that business between Vietnam and Czechia has grown significantly. There has been a shift in trade goods, moving away from traditional flows of personal effects and consumer goods to the trade of high-value commodities such as electronics and consumer healthcare,” said Petra Justová, Country Manager – Czechia, 4RCargo.

From Cold War ties to modern trade flows

Unlike many emerging Southeast Asia–Europe lanes, the Czech–Vietnam connection is not a recent creation. Diplomatic relations between the two countries date back to 1950, rooted in socialist-era cooperation and labour migration. These early connections have since developed into overlapping business, cultural, and family networks—now reinforced by a formal trade strategy.

“Diplomatic relations between Czechia and Vietnam date back to 1950, when Vietnamese workers came to help build the Czech social state… Over the last 75 years the relationship has evolved dramatically with multiple generations of interconnected business and family ties resulting in heightened trade between the two nations, compounded by the signing of a ‘strategic partnership’ between the two states in 2025 committing to deepening trade and investment.”

While Czech exports to Vietnam now include pharmaceuticals, automotive parts, and industrial machinery, the import picture is changing too. Vietnam’s expanding middle class is reshaping traditional demand patterns and pushing trade beyond low-cost goods.

“From Czechia to Vietnam, we have witnessed an ever-growing demand for industrial and medical equipment, automotive, and consumer healthcare, in addition to the consumer goods market that has flourished for decades.”

A vertical mix that defies convention

The cargo profile between Czechia and Vietnam is both diverse and specialised. Electronics and medical goods are major volumes, but the mix also includes niche sectors often absent from typical Southeast Asian export narratives.

“The key Czech exports to Vietnam include: Industrial machinery and equipment, Technical and medical devices, Automobiles, Pharmaceuticals, Nuclear and aerospace technologies, Medical and glass products, Weapons, Beer, Personal goods and products.”

This diversity reflects Czechia’s industrial base, but also a shift in what Southeast Asian markets are consuming. For 4RCargo, this opens the door to more complex cargo handling and GSSA services tailored to non-standard goods.

Winning SME trust in an airfreight market built for giants

As airfreight in Southeast Asia becomes more competitive and increasingly consolidated by global players, 4RCargo is positioning itself as a relationship-first partner—especially for SME forwarders accustomed to ocean freight.

“With many SME forwarders focused on Ocean Freight, Air Freight can be an intimidating market to step into, with GKA dominance only growing with high-profile mergers dominating headlines.”

Justová said the company’s success with smaller forwarders comes from keeping the process transparent and accessible, not overwhelming.

“4RCargo understands that for an SME forwarder, feeling in control of the situation and having a partner who can guide you through the process and assist where possible, through our unique single-screening solution for example, can introduce improved competitiveness in the forwarder market whilst also delivering increasingly innovative and value-delivering services for both shippers and consumers.”

The key, she adds, is not just in selling capacity—but in understanding the business context.

“For SME shippers and forwarders, it is about feeling their business is understood rather than simply seeing a price and a service agreement.”

SEA growth beyond China+1

4RCargo sees Southeast Asia as a long-term growth market not only for exports but for increasingly complex import flows. The strategic location of the region—and its growing affluence—support continued expansion. But the company also sees tech integration and long-term relationships as critical to staying relevant.

“China +1 supply chain strategies have cemented Southeast Asia’s position as a burgeoning export market, and as a result of growing GDP and wealth in these markets, the demand for imports is only set to grow.”

“4RCargo prides itself on being the truly future-friendly GSSA and in a region such as SEA, where technology is embedded into everyday life, 4RCargo can only see opportunities which could arise from building strong, long-lasting partnerships in this dynamic region.”