Connecting government, academia and businesses to drive e-commerce growth
With a market valued at approximately USD 31 billion in 2025, e-commerce is emerging as a major driver of Viet Nam's digital economy. However, sustaining this momentum and making a more substantial contribution to the country's double-digit economic growth target will require the sector to shift its focus from expansion in scale towards greater quality, operational efficiency and competitiveness. In this process, stronger cooperation among government agencies, educational institutions and businesses will be essential to mobilizing resources, developing human capital and promoting innovation.
On October 23, in Ho Chi Minh City, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), in coordination with Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HUTECH), the Saigon Entrepreneurs Association and the Vietnam E-commerce Association (VECOM), organized a forum entitled "Developing Entrepreneurial Capacity in the Digital Era." The forum highlighted the need to strengthen cooperation among government agencies, educational institutions and enterprises to promote effective and sustainable e-commerce development, thereby contributing to the country's double-digit economic growth target.
E-commerce is becoming one of the key drivers of Viet Nam's digital economy. In 2025, the market reached approximately USD 31 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 25.5% and accounting for around 11% of total retail sales of goods and consumer service revenues.
Dr. Le Hoang Oanh, Director of the E-commerce Agency under the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
To sustain its growth momentum and make a meaningful contribution to the double-digit economic growth target, the e-commerce sector must accelerate its transition from scale-driven expansion towards higher productivity, quality, efficiency and competitiveness. Against this backdrop, strengthening cooperation among government agencies, educational institutions and businesses has been identified as an important approach to integrating policy, knowledge and market resources.
According to the orientations discussed at the forum, the government plays a pivotal role in developing an enabling institutional framework, improving the regulatory environment and supporting digital infrastructure development. Educational institutions are responsible for human resource training, research and technology transfer, while enterprises serve as the central actors in technology adoption, innovation and the development of digital business models.
Speaking at the forum, Dr. Le Hoang Oanh, Director of the E-commerce Agency under the MoIT, emphasized the need to focus on improving the institutional framework, strengthening regulatory compliance capabilities and creating a favorable environment for enterprises to capitalize effectively on opportunities arising from e-commerce. In particular, connecting policy development with education and practical business operations is crucial to enhancing competitiveness and improving the quality of growth.
Speakers share their views at the forum.
From the perspective of the business community and industry associations, Dr. Lu Nguyen Xuan Vu, Chairman of the Saigon Entrepreneurs Association, and Nguyen Tan Phong, Vice Chairman of VECOM, underscored the importance of strategic thinking, leadership capabilities and adaptability among entrepreneurs in the digital era. Stronger connections between enterprises, educational institutions and experts will help develop human resources, facilitate the exchange of management experience and promote the practical application of technology.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ngo Cao Cuong, Vice President of Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HUTECH), noted that e-commerce plays an important role in transforming business practices, expanding markets and enhancing enterprises' competitiveness. In this context, universities need to strengthen the alignment between academic training and practical market requirements, with particular emphasis on developing skills in e-commerce, digital management, data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) applications. These efforts will help narrow the gap between education and labor market demands while fostering a highly skilled workforce capable of meeting the requirements of the digital economy.
At the forum, delegates focused their discussions on changes in e-commerce policies and the growing need to strengthen management capabilities, ensure legal compliance and promote technology adoption in business operations.
The 2025 Law on E-commerce, which took effect on July 1, 2026, together with its implementing regulations, establishes a new legal framework for business activities in the digital environment. The legislation clarifies the responsibilities of sellers, e-commerce platforms and entities involved in livestream selling and affiliate marketing. These institutional improvements are intended to foster a transparent and fair business environment, safeguard consumer rights and interests, and create favorable conditions for enterprises to innovate and pursue sustainable development.
Delegates pose for a commemorative photograph.
In addition, participants exchanged views on solutions involving AI applications, omnichannel sales management, data utilization and workforce capacity building to help businesses optimize costs, improve operational efficiency and strengthen their competitiveness.
In particular, cooperation among regulatory authorities, educational institutions, associations and enterprises needs to be translated into concrete initiatives, including demand-driven training programs, digital transformation support, expert networks and the transfer of technological solutions, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises.
During the 2026-2030 period, e-commerce development should be closely integrated with digital transformation, green growth, regional connectivity and the expansion of cross-border e-commerce. Strengthening cooperation among government agencies, educational institutions and enterprises, while aligning institutional improvements with human resource development and digital transformation, will help establish e-commerce as a major growth driver, making a positive contribution to Viet Nam's double-digit economic growth target.
