On September 5 2024, Shopee unveiled its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program in collaboration with VECOM. At the launch ceremony, Mr. Bui Trung Kien from VECOM and Mr. Tran Anh Tuan, Executive Director of Shopee Vietnam, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalize their partnership under the "Shopee Enables SMEs" initiative.

The agreement highlights their collaboration to provide e-commerce and digital marketing training to businesses across all 63 provinces and cities. The program aims to engage 100,000 micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), equipping them with the necessary skills to adopt e-commerce practices and integrate technology into their operations to boost business growth and improve economic livelihoods.

Commitment to supporting local SMEs

The initiative underscores Shopee's dedication to supporting Vietnam's domestic SMEs. Speaking at the event, Mr. Jason Bay, SEA Limited Country Head, emphasized Shopee's commitment to developing the e-commerce ecosystem for the benefit of society by focusing on local SMEs.

"I'm glad to note that our measures so far are well-aligned with the agenda of the Vietnamese government. In fact, just last week, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh issued Directive 29, which sets directions for the government to drive digital economy development nationally and internationally. On Monday this week, General Secretary and President To Lam released an article highlighting the importance of digital transformation in driving Vietnam's continued economic growth. We are encouraged that digital economy development features prominently at the highest levels of the government. And we are committed to partnering with the government to realize its ambitions for Vietnam’s economic development," said Mr. Bay.

In addition to this initiative, Shopee has been working with the Vietnamese government to deliver e-commerce training to SMEs, reaching nearly 10,000 sellers through national and provincial workshops last year. Shopee has also expanded its Local Seller Support Program as part of its Enabling Vietnam initiative, aiming to assist up to 1,000 local producers by enhancing logistics, distribution, and product visibility for both domestic and export markets.

Currently, over 90 per cent of products sold on Shopee come from Vietnamese enterprises. Additionally, more than 350,000 SMEs and over 1,000 local brands have been supported in entering ASEAN markets through Shopee’s International Platform, which simplifies exports by reducing complexity and overhead costs.

Empowering businesses through technology

According to the Vietnam E-Commerce Business Index Report 2024 published by VECOM, the e-commerce sector in Vietnam is growing at a rapid pace, with a growth rate of over 25 per cent and a market size exceeding $25 billion.

"Despite this, most of the market remains concentrated in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, two major economic centers. Many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), household businesses, and cooperatives across the country have yet to access and effectively utilize e-commerce,” explained Mr. Bui Trung Kien, Vice President of VECOM. This initiative aims to help businesses in all regions embrace e-commerce, closing the gap between major cities and local areas in terms of e-commerce adoption.

To kick off the program, Shopee and VECOM, in partnership with the Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade, launched the first "Shopee Enables SMEs" training course for over 200 businesses and 100 students in Hanoi.

The initial training provided SMEs with the basics of e-commerce, focusing on digital channels like livestreaming, optimizing sales performance, and increasing revenue through exports.

"Shopee Enables SMEs" is not just a one-time program; it represents a long-term commitment to advancing Vietnam’s digital economy and supporting the growth of Vietnamese businesses. Shopee expects this initiative to play a significant role in helping Vietnam meet its digital economy goals while strengthening the digital ties between Vietnam and Singapore. "Shopee and our partners are providing these training sessions for free because we believe in serving the underserved and using technology to improve everyone's lives," Mr. Jason Bay asserted.