In the context of the rapidly growing digital economy, e-commerce has become a key driver of socio-economic growth.
Located in the southern key economic region, Binh Duong serves as a bridge between Ho Chi Minh city, Dong Nai, Tay Ninh and Binh Phuoc. This strategic position facilitates trade, goods transportation and connections to major economic centers, thereby expanding the e-commerce market. Binh Duong boasts a comprehensive traffic network, including National Highways 13 and 14, the Ho Chi Minh Road, the North-South railway, the Binh Duong river port…These infrastructure advantages enable quick and convenient transportation of goods, reducing logistics costs for e-commerce activities.
Some products at provincial e-commerce platform - binhduongtrade.vn.
Realizing the important role of e-commerce in driving socio-economic growth, Binh Duong province has proactively implemented a range of synchronous solutions, creating a favorable environment for enterprises, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), cooperatives and production facilities to access and effectively apply e-commerce.
In 2024, Binh Duong continued obtaining significant achievements. According to a report from the Vietnam E-Commerce Association (VECOM), Binh Duong currently ranks third in the country in terms of the e-commerce index, with a score of 51/100, just behind Ho Chi Minh city and Hanoi.
This achievement has reflected Binh Duong's continuous efforts to build a comprehensive e-commerce ecosystem, from improving digital infrastructure to enhancing awareness and skills among enterprises.
Delegates attending a seminar on “Journey to transform appearance and digital transformation capacity of the industry and trade sector”
SMEs have made up a large proportion of the business community in Binh Duong, significantly contributing to the local socio- economic development. However, many SMEs still face difficulties in accessing e-commerce, due to the lack of knowledge, skills, financial resources and technologies.
Realizing this challenge, Binh Duong has implemented various practical support programs to help SMEs overcome barriers and confidently enter the digital market.
Provincial Department of Industry and Trade has advised provincial People's Committee on issuing Plan No. 2363/KH-UBND on e-commerce development for 2024, focusing on solutions to support and promote the widespread application of e-commerce among enterprises and the community. A key aspect of this plan is the collection of information from organizations and individuals participating in sales on e-commerce platforms to monitor market trends, provide timely support to enterprises and refine e-commerce development policies.
Phan Thi Khanh Duyen, Deputy Director of provincial Department of Industry and Trade speaks at a ceremony to launch the Super Promotion Month and the 2024 E-commerce Week in the province
In response to the strong digital transformation trend, the province’s sector of industry and trade is actively supporting enterprises to bring key products and OCOP ones from Binh Duong onto e-commerce platforms. This aims at creating favorable conditions for enterprises to showcase and sell products online, connecting importers and supply chains both domestically and internationally, thereby boosting product promotion and consumption.
In the digital age, the application of new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data and the Internet of Things (IoT) in e-commerce is a crucial factor in improving operational efficiency and creating a competitive edge. Binh Duong has been proactive in embracing these trends as evidenced by the organization of training courses on the use of AI tools, livestreaming, video marketing…for enterprises.
Along with that, Binh Duong is also accelerating digital transformation in the e-commerce sector, from building e-government and smart cities to supporting enterprises in digitizing their operations.
In 2024, provincial Department of Industry and Trade organized three training courses on trade skills via e-commerce for enterprises. The content focused on topics related to building channels on digital platforms, practicing creative video tools, livestreaming and using AI tools for practical applications. The courses also provided essential information on policies and accounts setup for popular sales platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, YouTube and others.
In addition, provincial Department of Industry and Trade organized a global export promotion conference through the e-commerce platform of B2B Alibaba.com. The conference aimed at helping the local enterprises access global markets, exchange experience and learn from Alibaba experts. It also supported the local enterprises in exporting through the Alibaba.com e-commerce platform.
Trinh Van Hai, Marketing Director of Nam Viet Food and Beverage Joint Stock Company speaks at the "Breakthrough Export 2024" seminar with the B2B (Business to Business) E-commerce solution – One Touch
In addition, provincial Department of Industry and Trade has implemented a plan to organize the 2024 provincial "Super promotional Month and the National E-commerce Week". The program launching ceremony will take place at 5:30 PM on November 24, 2024, at the Aeon Binh Duong Canary Shopping Center in Thuan An city, focusing on four main activities:
-In response to the National E-commerce Week: From November 25 to December 1, 2024.
-60 hours of Vietnam's Online Shopping Day - Online Friday 2024: From 00:00 on Friday, November 29 to 12:00 on December 1, 2024.
-The provincial "Super promotional Month 2024" program: From November 25 to December 25, 2024.
-The National Promotion Program - Vietnam Grand Sale 2024: From December 2 to December 31, 2024.
The opening of the Exhibition of Typical Rural Industrial Products and OCOP products will be also held during the program.
Despite achieving significant achievements, the province has faced numerous challenges in the process of developing e-commerce. These include intense competition from other provinces and cities, the shortage of high-quality human resources in e-commerce and issues related to cybersecurity and consumer protection.
To ensure that e-commerce truly becomes a strong driving force for socio-economic development, Binh Duong needs to continue investing in and implementing support solutions in a synchronous way.
Specifically, the province needs to focus on training high-quality human resources in e-commerce, promoting specialized training programs and enhancing professional development for managers and staff in the e-commerce sector. It should further invest in the development of a stable, secure and high-speed broadband internet infrastructure; build data centers and technology platforms to support e-commerce; encourage enterprises to apply AI, Big Data, IoT and other technologies in e-commerce operations to improve efficiency and competitiveness; strengthen international cooperation, expand partnerships with foreign organizations and enterprises in e-commerce to learn from experience, attract investment and broaden market opportunities..
With the efforts by authorities, the agility of enterprises and the support of the people, Binh Duong will continue affirming its position as one of the leading localities in e-commerce development, contributing to helping Vietnam build up a strong digital economy.
Reported by Dieu Hang – Trade Management Department-Translated by Kim Tin
