Vietnamese SMEs build digital capabilities beyond online selling
As more Vietnamese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) adopt e-commerce, Shopee is expanding efforts to help businesses develop digital skills, improve operations, and support long-term growth through its Shopee Enables SMEs program.
Local tea farmers in Vietnam's Thai Nguyen Province gained first-hand experience using livestream equipment during an e-commerce training session. This showcases a growing trend as digital commerce gains prominence as a sales channel for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the nation. Opening an online store is merely the initial step for many businesses; they must also navigate challenges such as customer attraction, sales conversion optimization, efficient order management, and brand building.
Hoang Duong, representing a Shopee seller, highlighted the need for specialized skills to successfully transition to digital commerce.
Vietnam's SMEs face uneven digital adoption, with businesses in rural areas often lacking access to digital tools and support. To bridge this gap, Shopee launched the Shopee Enables SMEs program, providing training, guidance, and market access for local businesses. The program aims to support around 100,000 SMEs through partnerships with government agencies and local authorities, tailoring training to meet regional and industry needs.
Topics covered include store management, product listings, order fulfillment, customer acquisition, and advanced subjects like livestream selling and digital content creation.
Livestreaming has emerged as a popular sales tool, especially for agricultural products and local specialties, enabling producers to demonstrate production processes and engage directly with consumers. Hoang Thi Tan, director of Tam Tra Thai Cooperative, noted the program's contribution to enhancing the cooperative's nationwide reach. Strong-performing businesses can receive additional mentoring focused on store optimization, branding, marketing, and performance analysis.
The Shopee Enables SMEs program collaborates with universities to connect students with businesses via internships and practical projects, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in e-commerce operations, marketing, and data analysis while supporting businesses in their digital transformation. As Vietnam's digital economy evolves, strengthening SMEs' digital capabilities through such initiatives is anticipated to play a crucial role in the country's ongoing growth.
Written by urgent.news from VnExpress Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
