Vietnam is one of the fastest-growing e-commerce markets in Southeast Asia. (Photo: Kvy Tech)

Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia's fastest-growing e-commerce markets. According to Google, Temasek, and Bain & Company reports, the country’s e-commerce market exceeded 20 billion USD in 2023 and is expected to grow to 52 billion USD by 2025.

In the context of deep international integration and opportunities brought by free trade agreements, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Vietnam are increasingly shifting from traditional business models to e-commerce. As a result, cross-border e-commerce has become a vital channel for exporting goods, expanding the market for Vietnamese products.

However, MSMEs face several challenges when participating in cross-border e-commerce exports, including:

Limited digital knowledge and skills: Many MSMEs lack expertise in operating e-commerce platforms and optimizing user experiences.

Logistical issues: Underdeveloped transportation and warehousing systems hinder their ability to meet international delivery demands.

Legal and tariff barriers: Complex and varying tax regulations between countries make cross-border trade challenging.

Low competitiveness: Smaller enterprises often lack the resources to compete with larger companies in terms of pricing and service quality.

Market information gaps: MSMEs struggle to collect and analyze data to understand international markets.

To provide comprehensive insights into Viet Nam's and the global e-commerce markets, as well as introduce models and solutions to support MSMEs in boosting online exports, the Department of E-commerce and Digital Economy (under the Ministry of Industry and Trade) will organize the E-commerce Connection and Development Forum on November 26, 2024.

The event is expected to attract 500 delegates from ministries, agencies, and localities; representatives from embassies and international organizations in Vietnam; relevant associations; leading corporations and businesses from Vietnam and the Asia region; and domestic and international media outlets.

The forum aims to serve as an efficient opportunity to foster cross-border exports and enhance the reputation of high-quality Vietnamese products in the globalized economy.

During the morning and afternoon sessions, both domestic and international speakers will update participants on the latest cross-border e-commerce export trends, being seen as the fastest route for MSMEs to access international markets. Topics will include bonded warehouse models, online-to-offline (O2O) business models, and successful strategies from markets such as China, South Korea, and Southeast Asia. Practical experiences and lessons from successful and failed projects will also be shared.

Additionally, the forum will help businesses understand and navigate regulations related to cross-border e-commerce, including customs procedures, taxes, and legal issues in Vietnam, China, South Korea, and beyond. This knowledge will enable them to develop suitable business plans and minimize risks by staying informed about the latest trends and regulations.

On the sidelines of the forum, over 80 exhibition booths will showcase products and services, creating opportunities for trade connections. Businesses will have the chance to explore new business opportunities and establish long-term partnerships with international suppliers, logistics partners, e-commerce platforms, and industry peers.