(Illustrative photo)

Online export channels allow businesses to access new overseas markets and broaden their customer base. Statistics from Amazon Global Selling in June showed that products of Vietnamese businesses on Amazon have seen a more than 300% increase in sales over the past five years. Thousands of Vietnamese small and medium-sized enterprises are currently exporting via Amazon, with many earning annual revenues of more than 1 million USD - a nearly tenfold increase.

For instance, the Vietnam National Vegetable, Fruit, and Agricultural Product Corporation (Vegetexco) has successfully exported a range of agricultural products to Europe through Amazon. The company's proactive participation in forums, exhibitions, and e-commerce platforms has enabled direct connections with importers.

Truong Anh Tung, Vegetexco's business manager, said: “We collaborate with distributors to sell our products in international markets. We work with Amazon to find partners and clients.”

Besides upgrading production lines, constantly changing product designs to suit market trends and tastes, Phu Long Global Investment Company Limited have focused on cross-border online export via the world's leading e-commerce platform Alibaba.

Vu Tien Nam, Director of Phu Long, said: “Digital platforms like Alibaba offer many advantages, including a large customer base. These platforms support both sellers and buyers. Buyers will be more confident when making payments because there are many warranty policies. The sellers will also be more secure. Buying and selling will be much faster and more convenient than traditional export channels.”

Active participation in forums and exhibitions provides small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with increased opportunities to engage with international buyers for direct online exports. Larger Vietnamese exporters can also directly introduce their products and invite importers to visit their facilities, thereby expanding their market reach and joining larger supply chains.

Several Vietnamese brands have recently succeeded in exporting through e-commerce platforms, including Minh Long ceramics, Sunhouse kitchenware, BeeFunrni furniture, and Lafooco agricultural products. Through Amazon, Vietnamese products can reach more than 2 billion consumers annually across Asia, Europe, and North America.

Vietnamese businesses are supported to build brands

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Phan Thi Thang (photo: congthuong.vn)

To fully capitalize on cross-border e-commerce, businesses must clearly understand and comply with the specific regulations for each product type. The Ministry of Industry and Trade has launched various programs to assist localities and businesses in this endeavor, according to Deputy Minister Phan Thi Thang.

“The Ministry of Industry and Trade has launched many programs to help localities and businesses. We have organized seminars on regional connection and training courses on e-commerce to help SMEs join e-commerce platforms and resolve challenges in online business. This is effective channel to quickly and effectively bring Vietnamese goods to overseas markets,” said Thang.

Over the past 7 months, Vietnam's exports reached nearly 227 billion USD, up  15.7% increase from the same period last year, with a significant portion of this trade conducted through cross-border e-commerce platforms. With continued policy support, guidance, and technological tools, Vietnamese businesses are poised to keep pace with digital transformation and achieve sustainable growth in the global market.