The vigorous development of e-commerce in Vietnam last year has created an optimistic outlook for even stronger growth in 2010, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has said.
A survey by the ministry of more than 2,000 businesses in Vietnam last year showed that most enterprises have invested in IT infrastructure; 98 percent of businesses use the Internet; and 36 percent sell goods and services using online trade systems.
Other encouraging signs were that 37 percent of businesses have set up websites, of which those with e-transaction capabilities account for 38 percent; and those with e-payment systems make up 3.5 percent, said Duong Hoang Minh, deputy head of the ministry’s E-Commerce and Information Technology Department.
Of the total number of businesses nationwide, 12 percent have made deals on e-trade floors and 69 percent have signed contracts through such floors.
Consumers in Vietnam have been keen on online-trading since 2008 when several e-payment companies were set up including Payoo, VinaPay, Mobivi, PayNet and VnPay.
In 2009, when consumer spending slowed due to the global financial crisis, customers became more interested in buying goods and services online to save time and money.
To boost e-commerce, it is necessary to promote the benefits of non-cash payment; step up the interconnectivity of e-payment systems in the country; increase ATM card use; and issue regulations on e-payments and e-invoices, said Mr. Minh.
Last December, he said, the E-commerce department launched an export information site at www.vnex.com.vn, an official channel connected with the industry and trade departments of 63 provinces and cities, and 60 commercial offices of Vietnamese consulates around the world. More than 10,000 Vietnamese importers and exporters are listed on the website.
HCMC to step up e-trade
In mid-December 2009, the city’s Industry and Trade Department organized a program titled “Selection of prominent e-commerce businesses,” aimed at boosting e-commerce activities; assessing e-commerce efficiency; and allowing the city’s business community to gain experience in the field of e-commerce.
Deputy chairwoman of the HCMC People’s Committee, Nguyen Thi Hong, has called on relevant agencies to open training courses in e-commerce for local managers and entrepreneurs.
Such programs would include intellectual property education and training in measures to protect consumers in the e-commerce environment.
At the same time, official agencies should work out plans to popularize e-payment practices amongst the public and business communities, Ms. Hong said.
The city will also mobilize all available media outlets to help promote e-commerce to the public including e-information related to city authorities, departments and agencies.
A center for e-certification will be built in HCMC this year; the use of e-signatures for trade transactions using digital technology will be applied; and banks and credit institutions will receive assistance in applying more technology to their services, especially e-payment systems.
HCMC aims to introduce e-commerce to 100 percent of city-based businesses and have 20 percent of households using online trading systems this year.
The city now has around 1.3 million computers in use; with 96 percent of HCMC households owning a computer and more than 600,000 households subscribing to broadband Internet services, according to the city Department of Information and Telecommunications.
To create sustainable development of e-commerce by 2015, city authorities will also strive to improve relevant legal systems; and adopt policies to acquire advanced technologies and encourage businesses and the public to apply e-commerce.
