Vietnamese goods in the face of the cross-border e-commerce "whirlwind"

VCN - In order to compete with goods on cross-border e-commerce platforms entering Vietnam, experts and businesses recommend that in addition to improving product quality and lowering costs, it is necessary to remove bottlenecks in transportation and delivery.
Cross-border e-commerce helps Vietnamese businesses open up many opportunities to participate in the global supply chain. Illustration photo: VNA
Cross-border e-commerce helps Vietnamese businesses open up many opportunities to participate in the global supply chain. Illustration photo: VNA

Fierce competition

Mr. Tran Minh Tuan, Director of the Department of Digital Economy and Digital Society, Ministry of Information and Communications, said that wholesale and retail on the internet recorded strong growth, with an average Vietnamese consumer shopping online 4 times/month. Vietnam is a potential market with more than 100 million people, located next to large markets such as China, India, ASEAN; the market size in 2023 will rank 3rd in Southeast Asia after Indonesia and Thailand.

However, Mr. Tuan also said that wholesale and retail also face risks and challenges such as traditional stores will not be able to survive due to low competitiveness, limited market access; unable to compete with other localities or neighboring countries; goods security, financial security face many risks from cross-border e-commerce. In particular, Mr. Tuan also pointed out that the biggest challenge is that traditional retailers lack a technology platform, connecting sellers and buyers (B2B) in Vietnam with partners around the world. Along with that, there is a lack of logistics infrastructure, a synchronous payment platform, promoting cross-border e-commerce activities.

Agreeing with this opinion, Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Dung, Chairman of the Vietnam E-commerce Association (VECOM), said that the issue of resources, technology and costs is the biggest challenge for enterprises, cooperatives and farmers when bringing Vietnamese goods to e-commerce platforms, especially cross-border e-commerce.

Sharing about these difficulties and challenges, Mr. Nguyen Khanh Toan, Director of the Trade Promotion Connection Center of Thai Nguyen province, said that currently, the human resources and capacity of small and medium enterprises and cooperatives have not been properly trained in information technology, practical application is still limited, there are no resources to hire engineers for operations, hire marketing to bring products to e-commerce platforms.

Regarding capital, Mr. Toan said that the enterprise's own capital is limited, in which resources are allocated for production, business, and research of new products, so investing in digital transformation is a challenge. Along with that, logistics is also a worrying issue, because the distance is too far, the geography is too difficult, so bringing products from remote areas to sell on e-commerce platforms is also a difficult problem for enterprises.

“To bring products to e-commerce platforms and export them through cross-border e-commerce platforms is a process of guiding households and manufacturing enterprises, but to successfully sell products and maintain booths, we need the support of accompanying units,” said Mr. Toan.

Success is proactive

The “storm” of cheap goods through cross-border e-commerce platforms such as Temu, Shein, Taobao… with competitive advantages in price, design and shipping has increased competitive pressure on domestic enterprises. To compete in the market, experts say that speed and cost are two key factors in the logistics sector.

Although domestic enterprises have met domestic demand well, to expand regionally and internationally, it is necessary to improve operational processes and apply technology. Therefore, Vietnam needs to build more closely linked logistics systems. This not only supports domestic e-commerce but also helps Vietnamese goods access international markets quickly and effectively.

Regarding the issue of supporting people in digital transformation and bringing products to e-commerce platforms, Mr. Nguyen The Anh, Director of Distribution Business, Vietnam Post Corporation (VNPOST) said that distribution and transportation are important factors in e-commerce, but logistics is still a weakness that makes Vietnamese enterprises face difficulties, not only in competing with foreign rivals but also in the domestic market.

“The biggest barrier at present is to hold people’s hands and guide them, but it is necessary to maintain and accompany them to be successful. In fact, people need to ensure product quality, maintain production and sales models, and also need continuous learning skills for coordination, training, and guidance to be successful and develop sustainably,” said Mr. Nguyen The Anh.

Mr. Tran Dinh Toan, Deputy General Director of OSB Group Joint Stock Company (Alibaba agent in Vietnam) said that to be successful on e-commerce and cross-border e-commerce platforms, businesses must identify e-commerce as essentially a sales channel, so they need to perform well on their booths and have specific strategies. The e-commerce era of putting up booths and waiting for buyers to come is over, but we must be proactive, that will determine the success of the business. Businesses must be more proactive and active on e-commerce. Those who are proactive and approach will offer better products to buyers. Sellers also need to change their mindset, now "there is no longer a situation where big fish swallow small fish, but the fish that adapts better will be successful. The current success on e-commerce is the initiative of businesses", Mr. Toan emphasized.

Experts say that the scale of Vietnam's wholesale and retail market is not small, the potential and room for e-commerce development is huge; while the characteristic of e-commerce is that it has no boundaries, so if localities and units operating in the wholesale and retail sector do not transform, they will risk losing the market.

By Ngoc Linh/Bui Diep

Related News

Challenges in preventing counterfeit goods and intellectual property violations in e-commerce

Challenges in preventing counterfeit goods and intellectual property violations in e-commerce

VCN - The open sale of counterfeit goods, items with unclear origins, and intellectual property (IP) infringing products on e-commerce websites has become a growing trend.
Vietnam-China e-commerce: A perspective from Lang Son border

Vietnam-China e-commerce: A perspective from Lang Son border

VCN - Cross-border e-commerce is currently a hot topic among e-commerce businesses, particularly those actively developing digital platforms and cross-border electronic payment infrastructures through border gates in Lang Son province.
Opportunities for export breakthroughs through e-commerce

Opportunities for export breakthroughs through e-commerce

VCN - According to Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh (in photo), Director of the E-commerce Development Center - Department of E-commerce and Digital Economy (Ministry of Industry and Trade), developing national e-commerce programs and fostering international cooperation are key to effectively harnessing Vietnam's potential in this area, thereby enhancing competitiveness and promoting sustainable development in the global market.
Customs tightens oversight on e-commerce imports

Customs tightens oversight on e-commerce imports

VCN - The General Department of Vietnam Customs has issued new directives to enhance the management of imported goods transacted through e-commerce platforms, addressing ambiguities and ensuring consistent enforcement across provincial and municipal customs departments.

Latest News

Plastics demand growing, says industry association

Plastics demand growing, says industry association

The plastics industry has enjoyed impressive growth this year, driven by steady demand from the construction, packaging and consumer industries, according to the Vietnam Plastics Association.
Vietnam’s tuna exports gain larger market shares in key markets

Vietnam’s tuna exports gain larger market shares in key markets

After overcoming challenges related to tuna size regulations and market volatility, Vietnam’s tuna exports are recovering and expanding in key markets.
Efficiency in emission reduction and sustainable development for wood enterprises

Efficiency in emission reduction and sustainable development for wood enterprises

VCN - Digital transformation aimed at reducing emissions and fostering sustainable development has become an intrinsic need for businesses. This shift stems from recognizing the tangible benefits demonstrated by pioneering enterprises that have successfully implemented and achieved these initiatives.
US emerges as biggest consumer of Vietnam’s pepper

US emerges as biggest consumer of Vietnam’s pepper

Vietnam exported 235,335 tonnes of pepper, including 207,498 tonnes of black pepper and 27,837 tonnes of white pepper, in January - November to earn 1.22 billion USD, with the US being the biggest importer, according to the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA).

More News

Why are seafood exports to some Middle Eastern countries blocked?

Why are seafood exports to some Middle Eastern countries blocked?

VCN - Many seafood export shipments to some Middle Eastern countries have had their documents returned by the Consular Department due to the nightmare of consular legalization procedures, leading to a blockage in exports to these markets.
Seafood exports increase competitiveness through quality

Seafood exports increase competitiveness through quality

VCN - The "wave" of orders from a number of large markets and increased consumption demand in the coming months will be the driving force to accelerate seafood exports at the end of the year. Not only racing to increase exports, Vietnamese seafood also increases its competitive advantage by focusing on product quality, seed sources, green transformation in the production process...
Textiles, footwear enterprises need support to green the supply chain

Textiles, footwear enterprises need support to green the supply chain

VCN- As one of the world's leading textile, garment and footwear exporting countries, Vietnam is facing many opportunities as well as challenges in response to strict customer regulations in "greening" production, including a number of commitments such as implementing social and environmental responsibilities and reducing emissions...
Vietnam’s seafood export hits 1 billion USD mark for October

Vietnam’s seafood export hits 1 billion USD mark for October

Vietnam's seafood industry is on a roll, with export momentum propelling it toward the 10 billion USD target for 2024, laying robust groundwork for 2025.
Will textile and garment exports be affected by Trump 2.0 policy?

Will textile and garment exports be affected by Trump 2.0 policy?

VCN - That was one of the topics of interest at the press conference of the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS) held on November 19.
Vietnam, US strengthen supply chain cooperation in global marketplace

Vietnam, US strengthen supply chain cooperation in global marketplace

The 2024 Vietnam-US Cooperation Forum, held in Ho Chi Minh City, focused on new US policy directions and opportunities to enhance bilateral economic and trade relations.
Over 218,500 enterprises established, resume operations in 11 months

Over 218,500 enterprises established, resume operations in 11 months

More than 218,500 enterprises were established and resumed operations in Vietnam in the past 11 months of 2024, a year-on-year increase of 7.4%, according to the General Statistics Office (GSO).
Textile and garment exports optimistic thanks to market opportunities

Textile and garment exports optimistic thanks to market opportunities

VCN - The diversification strategy and the shift in orders from brands have brought positive results to the Vietnamese textile and garment industry in 2024 and created a solid foundation for the 2025 target.
Vietnam attracts nearly 31.4 billion USD in foreign investment in 11 months

Vietnam attracts nearly 31.4 billion USD in foreign investment in 11 months

Total registered foreign direct investment (FDI) into Vietnam, including new and additional investments, and capital contributions via share purchases, reached 31.4 billion USD in the first 11 months of 2024.
Read More

Your care

Latest Most read
Plastics demand growing, says industry association

Plastics demand growing, says industry association

The plastics industry has enjoyed impressive growth this year, driven by steady demand from the construction, packaging and consumer industries, according to the Vietnam Plastics Association.
Vietnam’s tuna exports gain larger market shares in key markets

Vietnam’s tuna exports gain larger market shares in key markets

After overcoming challenges related to tuna size regulations and market volatility, Vietnam’s tuna exports are recovering and expanding in key markets.
Efficiency in emission reduction and sustainable development for wood enterprises

Efficiency in emission reduction and sustainable development for wood enterprises

VCN - At a recent workshop on emission reduction and sustainable development organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Handicraft and Wood Industry Association (HAWA), Nguyen Thi Truyen, a senior expert from the International Labour Organization (ILO), shared val
US emerges as biggest consumer of Vietnam’s pepper

US emerges as biggest consumer of Vietnam’s pepper

Vietnam exported 235,335 tonnes of pepper, including 207,498 tonnes of black pepper and 27,837 tonnes of white pepper, in January - November to earn 1.22 billion USD, with the US being the biggest importer, according to the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA).
Why are seafood exports to some Middle Eastern countries blocked?

Why are seafood exports to some Middle Eastern countries blocked?

Many seafood export shipments to some Middle Eastern countries have had their documents returned by the Consular Department due to the nightmare of consular legalization procedures
Mobile Version