On July 18, 2025, in Thanh Hoa, the Provincial Department of Industry and Trade, in collaboration with the Center for E-commerce and Digital Technology Development (Department of E-commerce and Digital Economy, Ministry of Industry and Trade) - eComDX, organized a training conference on e-commerce skills for government officials, businesses, cooperatives, young entrepreneurs, and students.
The event not only raised awareness and equipped participants with practical skills, but also created a strong ripple effect of digital transformation in the community, contributing to enhancing online business capabilities for many key local stakeholders.
E-commerce - A driving force for development in the new context.
In his opening remarks at the conference, Mr. Tran Duc Luong, Deputy Director of the Department of Industry and Trade of Thanh Hoa province, emphasized that although the province possesses many advantages such as a large population, rapid urbanization, improving telecommunications infrastructure, and a significant increase in the number of small and medium-sized enterprises over the years, digital transformation in the province is still facing many challenges.
Notably, the majority of government officials, businesses, cooperatives, young entrepreneurs, and students in the locality still face many difficulties in accessing and applying e-commerce in practice. Many units lack proficiency in online business implementation skills, leading to apprehension and a lack of confidence when transitioning to the digital environment.
Mr. Tran Duc Luong, Deputy Director of the Department of Industry and Trade of Thanh Hoa province, said that the province is still facing significant challenges such as businesses not knowing how to effectively apply e-commerce and a workforce lacking digital skills.
This highlights the urgent need to strengthen systematic training, guidance, and support activities to build a workforce of officials, businesses, cooperatives, young entrepreneurs, and students who are capable of adapting to and effectively applying digital platforms in their production and business operations.
Therefore, organizing this training conference is extremely necessary and timely, helping to equip participants with practical knowledge and skills, while promoting the widespread adoption of digital transformation in the locality.
Current situation and trends of e-commerce in Vietnam
Mr. Nguyen Huu Tuan, Director of eComDX Center, shared that businesses need to grasp the trends of shoppertainment, livestreaming, and AI to personalize the shopping experience.
At the conference, Mr. Nguyen Huu Tuan, Director of the eComDX Center, emphasized that in the context of the ongoing Fourth Industrial Revolution and the strong trend of globalization, the digital economy, e-commerce, and digital transformation are becoming key drivers for socio-economic development.
Mr. Tuan stated that Vietnam is currently one of the fastest-growing e-commerce markets in the world. In 2023, B2C e-commerce revenue reached US$20.5 billion, accounting for approximately 8% of the country's total retail sales. In 2024, the market size is expected to continue its impressive growth, reaching approximately US$25 billion – an increase of over 20% compared to the previous year and accounting for about 10% of total retail sales of goods and consumer services. Notably, e-commerce has contributed two-thirds of the national digital economy value, demonstrating its increasingly important role in the digital economy.
By 2025, B2C e-commerce revenue is expected to continue its breakthrough, reaching $39 billion, creating a solid foundation for Vietnam to accelerate its digital transformation and international economic integration.
However, Mr. Tuan affirmed that e-commerce not only brings opportunities but also many challenges. Vietnamese businesses in general, and those in Thanh Hoa in particular, need to proactively grasp new trends such as "shoppertainment" (shopping combined with entertainment), livestreaming sales, and applying artificial intelligence to analyze consumer behavior and suggest suitable products, thereby personalizing the shopping experience. In addition, optimizing logistics through the selection of flexible shipping carriers, shortening delivery times, and reducing shipping costs is crucial. Ensuring transaction security is also paramount through secure payment methods, order verification, and transparent and professional management of customer feedback and reviews.
Tax policies in e-commerce – Understanding them correctly for sustainable development.
Mr. Nguyen Huu Tuan, Director of eComDX, noted that each business should proactively update information and, when encountering difficulties, should seek timely support from tax consultants.
One topic of particular interest at the conference was tax policy for business activities on e-commerce platforms. Mr. Tuan stated that currently, sales through digital platforms are regulated by a comprehensive legal system, including Law No. 38/2019/QH14 on Tax Administration, Decree 126/2020/ND-CP, and guiding circulars such as 40/2021/TT-BTC and 80/2021/TT-BTC. These documents not only clearly define the responsibilities for registration, declaration, and tax payment but also create a legal framework for transparent monitoring and management of online business activities.
Understanding and complying with tax regulations is crucial for businesses to maintain stable and transparent operations in the digital environment. Organizations and individuals doing business on e-commerce platforms need to pay special attention to fulfilling their tax obligations fully to minimize legal risks. “In the context of tax policies constantly being adjusted to keep pace with the development of e-commerce, each business should proactively update information and, when encountering difficulties, should seek timely support from tax consultants,” Mr. Tuan noted.
AI – A tool for modernizing online business processes.
At the conference, government officials, businesses, cooperatives, young entrepreneurs, and students in Thanh Hoa also gained access to essential knowledge and skills to operate online stores on the Shopee e-commerce platform, and to apply artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize online business operations.
These are considered key elements that will help local units overcome resource barriers and gradually assert their position in an increasingly competitive digital environment.
Mr. Cao Qui Long, an instructor at eComDX, shared essential knowledge and skills for operating a store on the Shopee e-commerce platform.
Mr. Cao Qui Long, an instructor at eComDX, shared that AI is becoming an indispensable tool in the entire e-commerce operation chain. From creating product content, designing images and advertising videos, to managing orders, forecasting demand, and providing customer service, everything can be done automatically, more economically, and more efficiently thanks to AI tools.
Mr. Cao Qui Long, an eComDX lecturer, shared that AI is becoming an indispensable tool in the entire e-commerce operation chain.
Mr. Long's presentation went beyond theory, incorporating practical examples: how to create a seller account, build a professional online store, update products correctly, and run effective advertising campaigns using AI-powered tools.
Mr. Long also pointed out that leveraging AI to analyze consumer data, optimize pricing, automate customer responses, and personalize shopping experiences will help businesses quickly adapt and thrive on e-commerce platforms.
"With AI, whether you're a beginner or an experienced business, anyone can implement online business operations in a systematic, professional, and cost-effective way," Mr. Long affirmed.
The conference is not only an opportunity to update knowledge and skills in e-commerce, but also a crucial chance for state agencies, businesses, and organizations in Thanh Hoa to access the latest legal regulations and clearly define the direction for the sustainable development of e-commerce in the locality.
Through direct exchanges with experts, many practical obstacles have been overcome, creating a solid legal and technical foundation for businesses to confidently undergo digital transformation and expand their online operations.
In the coming period, the eComDX Center will continue to promote the development of e-commerce human resources in localities, especially focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises, cooperatives, individual business households, and young entrepreneurs in the provinces. These efforts will contribute to promoting the comprehensive development of e-commerce, thereby forming a strong digital ecosystem and making a positive contribution to the development of the national digital economy.
