Opportunities for export breakthroughs through e-commerce

Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh

Could you elaborate on the opportunities that cross-border e-commerce presents for businesses?

Vietnam's e-commerce has seen an average growth rate of 22-25% over the past three years. Cross-border e-commerce has grown correspondingly, perhaps at a slightly higher rate than domestic e-commerce. However, the scale of the cross-border e-commerce market remains relatively small.

This presents a significant opportunity for Vietnamese businesses to achieve breakthroughs and explore cross-border export opportunities. In particular, Vietnamese businesses now have numerous avenues to connect with foreign partners through digital platforms and intermediaries.

Moreover, Vietnam boasts a wide array of products with unique regional cultural characteristics that have attracted international interest and imports.

However, the export turnover through e-commerce remains limited.

Therefore, government involvement and collaboration with relevant agencies are necessary to develop regional and local branded products, ensuring sufficient supply and quality to compete internationally. This is a shared goal that we are actively pursuing, and achieving it requires the combined efforts of businesses and relevant entities.

How have e-commerce support policies been implemented recently?

Regarding policies supporting online sales promotion, in particular, or e-commerce in general, several National E-commerce Development Programs have been implemented in phases.

The first phase began in 2006. We are currently in the fourth phase.

The Department of E-commerce and Digital Economy is preparing to submit to the Government a comprehensive plan for national e-commerce development for the 2026-2030 period. This plan includes provisions for policy mechanisms and funding to support businesses in implementing and applying cross-border e-commerce more effectively in the coming years.

A crucial factor determining the success of exporting businesses, or any business engaged in e-commerce, is a skilled digital workforce. National E-commerce Development Programs and other government decisions related to high-quality digital workforce training have all emphasized the importance of this aspect.

Numerous international partners, such as South Korea and China, are eager to collaborate with us in training a digital workforce that meets market demands. This will enable businesses to acquire essential knowledge, develop effective plans and strategies, meet market needs, and keep pace with global e-commerce trends.

The Department of E-commerce and Digital Economy has extensive experience in providing digital economy training to various target groups and economic sectors within society. We are also keen to cooperate and share experiences with domestic and international businesses, as well as individuals with specialized knowledge in e-commerce, such as livestreaming and cross-border e-commerce, to disseminate understanding of regulations and guidelines for participating in online marketplaces.

We are also prepared to provide information on legal frameworks, cultural insights, and the demands of partner businesses interested in importing Vietnamese products.

What role does logistics play in the development of e-commerce? What are the major logistical challenges in remote areas of Vietnam, and what solutions are needed to address them?

Logistics is an indispensable element, inextricably linked to e-commerce. It is an intermediary service, and the development of e-commerce hinges on logistics and online payment systems.

Logistics in Vietnam, particularly in remote areas, faces limitations. For instance, shipping goods worth just a few hundred thousand VND from Bac Kan raises concerns about delivery feasibility and reaching buyers. The shipping costs can sometimes exceed the product's value multiple times.

Addressing this requires public-private partnerships and multifaceted solutions to promote efficient goods circulation.

Thank you!