Hanoi has set out its 2025 e-commerce development plan to maintain its second-highest ranking in the Vietnam E-Commerce Index (EBI).

The city aims to have 49% of small and medium-sized enterprises doing business on e-commerce platforms, including social networks with e-commerce functions.

Other targets include ensuring that business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce accounts for 13% of total retail sales and service revenues, and that 53% of Hanoi residents shop online. 

The city also wants to see 70% of purchases on websites and e-commerce applications using e-invoices and 50% of e-commerce cashless payments.

A Hanoian scans a QR code to make a payment. Photo: VGP

It also aims to reach 80% of e-commerce websites with online ordering functions; 50% of small and medium-sized enterprises doing business on e-commerce trading platforms, including social networks with e-commerce trading platforms; and 100% of enterprises participating in e-commerce activities on mobile applications. Hanoi also encourages enterprises to establish and develop cross-border trading platforms.

To achieve these goals, the Department of Industry and Commerce will support cooperatives, enterprises, and individuals to expand consumer markets for agricultural products, handicrafts, One Commune One Product (OCOP) items, and consumer goods through e-commerce channels, and promote cross-border transactions.

Last year, Hanoi ranked second in the e-commerce index with a score of 84.3, according to the Vietnam E-commerce Association report, which also called on organizations and businesses to reduce negative environmental impacts and contribute to the sustainable development of e-commerce.

The report also highlighted the need for policies and solutions to address three key issues: the digital divide, the digital workforce, and the environment.

The EBI is compiled by the Vietnam E-commerce Association based on three components, including human resources and information technology infrastructure, business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce transactions, and business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce transactions.

According to Nguyen The Hiep, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade, the department plans to help businesses understand e-commerce regulations, increasing export sales and building a global Vietnamese brand. "In 2025, the department will help about 500 businesses and individuals to adopt e-commerce," he said.

Pham Thi Minh Uyen, Vice Dean of the Department of Scientific Research Methods at Thuongmai University, suggested that Hanoi needs to refine policies and management tools in line with international laws and commitments in free trade agreements.

She also emphasized that it is important to raise public awareness about the Internet and e-commerce to encourage more residents and businesses to shift from traditional retail to online retail.

Nguyen Manh Quyen, Deputy Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee, said the city will also seek to further develop infrastructure and solutions to support online transactions for online commerce, ensuring the safety of both sellers and buyers.

In May 2024, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stressed the importance of promoting cashless payments and accelerating the digital transformation of the  city's tax, fee, and charge management.

He also emphasized the need for decisive action in the field of electronic invoicing, in particular for retail invoices issued directly to the consumer.

"Hanoi needs to develop digital infrastructure and effectively apply digital transformation tools such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, big data and virtual assistants, while ensuring cybersecurity and information security," Chinh said.