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In a strategic move to enhance the national economy, the Vietnamese Government, along with ministries, sectors, localities, and the business community, is intensifying efforts to develop cross-border e-commerce. This initiative aims to leverage exports as a pivotal growth driver, ensuring that Vietnamese businesses can thrive in the global market through digital transformation and sustainable development.
Support from various policies, guidance, and innovative solutions is propelling Vietnamese enterprises forward. Data highlights that cross-border e-commerce is expanding at a rate 2.3 times faster than regular e-commerce between 2022 and 2025. Furthermore, the same data projects that the cross-border e-commerce sector in Vietnam and Southeast Asia will grow by 20% annually until 2026.
Over the past five years, Vietnamese businesses have significantly broadened their international reach, with the number of products exported via an international e-commerce platform increasing by 300%. Thousands of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have successfully utilised the platform to export goods, with many achieving annual revenues surpassing US$1 million, reflecting nearly a tenfold increase.
The report “Local Sellers, Global Consumers 2022: Capturing the E-commerce Export Opportunity in Vietnam” by the UK’s Access Partnership predicts a substantial rise in Vietnam’s B2C e-commerce export revenues, anticipated to reach VND 296.3 trillion (US$13 billion) by 2027.
E-commerce is integral to Vietnam’s export strategy, allowing businesses to swiftly and efficiently access international markets, enhance competitiveness, and foster sustainable growth. However, Bui Trung Kien, vice chairman of the Vietnam E-Commerce Association (VECOM), noted that many of Vietnam’s export businesses, primarily SMEs, have not yet tapped into cross-border e-commerce platforms.
Tran Thanh Hai, Deputy Director of the Import-Export Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), emphasised the importance of expanding markets not only through traditional means such as fairs and trade connections but also through online platforms and digital ecosystems. He stressed the need for robust logistics to support import-export activities.
Hoang Ninh, Director of MoIT’s E-Commerce and Digital Economy Agency, stated that policies facilitating e-commerce development in Vietnam focus on enhancing the legal framework, providing financial support, encouraging investment, developing digital infrastructure, ensuring data protection and cybersecurity, and promoting the research and development of new technologies. The ministry has also intensified efforts to support SMEs by offering free training courses and helping businesses enhance product sale opportunities through e-commerce platforms.
VECOM has been proactive in aiding businesses to navigate the online export landscape. According to General Secretary Tran Van Trong, the association has implemented various initiatives to support businesses in global markets.
Trinh Khac Toan, Director for the northern region of AGSV, mentioned that in collaboration with the MoIT, AGSV has trained 10,000 personnel for online export businesses over the past five years, underscoring the concerted efforts to elevate Vietnam’s presence in the global e-commerce arena.
OpenGov Asia reported that Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has issued Official Dispatch No.56/CD-TTg to enhance state management in Vietnam’s e-commerce and digital business sectors, aiming to streamline regulatory frameworks, improve transparency, and strengthen security measures.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade is tasked with refining legal frameworks for e-commerce, while the Ministry of Finance focuses on simplifying procedures and optimising customs processes. The Ministry of Public Security will integrate national databases to combat fraud and tax evasion. The Ministry of Information and Communications will develop technological solutions to monitor digital transactions, and the State Bank of Vietnam will ensure the security of electronic payment systems.
The Ministry of Defence will protect national cyberinfrastructure, and local authorities will align with national directives to support e-commerce development.
This directive and a host of other initiatives underscore Vietnam’s commitment to digital transformation and economic modernisation, aiming for sustainable growth in the digital economy.