A forum to promote regional connectivity in e-commerce in the Mekong Delta was held in Can Tho city on November 2, the Voice of Vietnam has reported.

“The forum is expected to be held annually to enable bodies and authorities in the region to grasp information and the latest developments in e-commerce at the national and international level,” said Ms. Le Hoang Oanh, Head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s Vietnam E-Commerce and Digital Economy Agency.

“It also helps local businesses and manufacturers connect and exchange with prestigious trade partners on e-commerce platforms, and approach solutions to enhance their competitiveness and increase sales of goods on domestic and foreign markets.”

According to the trade expert, e-commerce has become the top choice for businesses and a popular consumer trend in Vietnam.

“Vietnam’s e-commerce sector is maintaining a high average annual growth rate, making it one of the most dynamic in the world,” said Ms. Oanh.

A report from the Vietnam E-Commerce Association said that B2C retail e-commerce value in 2022 accounted for 8.5 per cent of total retail sales of goods and services in the country.

“Thus, promoting regional connectivity in e-commerce development is a consistent policy and one of the focal directions of the Party and the government to leverage the advantages of modern distribution methods and promote regional economic development,” Ms. Oanh said.

Participants largely centered discussions on issues related to the promotion of regional connectivity in e-commerce and rising domestic consumption and connections with global supply chains; solutions to help connect businesses in the Mekong Delta through available e-commerce channels; solutions to promote technological application and related logistics services; cross-border e-commerce; and increased management and supervision of e-commerce activities.