Vietnam Sets Ambitious E-Commerce Goals for 2026–2030

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The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) has unveiled an ambitious National E-Commerce Development Master Plan for 2026–2030, aiming for major advancements in Vietnam’s digital economy. A cornerstone of the plan is reaching a target of 70% of the adult population participating in online shopping by the decade's end.

E-commerce is poised as a central pillar in Vietnam's digital transformation. By leveraging cutting-edge digital infrastructure, the plan seeks to build consumer trust and boost e-commerce platforms, thereby playing a pivotal role in transforming growth models and increasing competitiveness. This approach will align with national strategies like the National Digital Transformation Program and the Strategy for Digital Economy and Digital Society Development.

At the core of this plan is the optimisation of the entire value chain, from production to consumption, ensuring that technological solutions foster balanced economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection. By focusing on a cohesive national e-commerce ecosystem, Vietnam aims to strengthen international connections and utilise global resources effectively.

Government backing is critical to the plan's success. The MoIT commits to developing necessary institutional frameworks and technological infrastructures. This support will empower localities and enable provinces and cities to implement tailored e-commerce programs, enhancing Vietnam’s competitive edge in the fast-growing e-commerce market.

Key goals include increasing Vietnamese product consumption domestically and internationally via e-commerce, narrowing regional development gaps, and promoting circular e-commerce. E-commerce retail sales are projected to grow between 20% and 30% annually, making up 20% of Vietnam’s total national retail sales by 2030. The aim is also to reduce consumer rights violations on websites to 5%–10%.

For businesses, the aim is to have 70% of enterprises engaging in e-commerce, implement e-invoices in all transactions, facilitate 80% cashless transactions, and ensure 60% of SMEs operate on e-commerce platforms. Balanced development is a priority, with 50% of B2C transactions happening outside Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and 60% of communes engaging in online sales, fostering inter-regional e-commerce networks.

Sustainability is also a focal point, with targets to reduce plastic packaging to 45% or less, increase recycled packaging use to 50%, and ensure at least 40% of businesses utilise clean energy for logistics. Additionally, 50% of businesses are expected to adopt green packaging standards.

The plan stresses human resource development, aspiring for 60% of universities and vocational institutions to offer e-commerce programs, and to impart e-commerce skills to at least one million people, inclusive of businesses and government officials.

To achieve these objectives, the plan outlines six crucial groups of solutions: a refined legal framework; improved infrastructure such as digital networks and cashless payment systems; core platforms to support a sustainable e-commerce market; as well as the development of human resources, linkages, and new technologies.

According to the MoIT, e-commerce signifies a leading sector of the digital economy, aimed at streamlining processes from production to consumer experience. The Vietnam E-Commerce Association (VECOM) estimates that in 2024, Vietnam's e-commerce market reached US$32 billion, marking a 27% increase from the previous year, with online retail sales contributing $22.5 billion, indicative of a robust annual growth of 30%.

As Vietnam embarks on this transformative journey, the National E-Commerce Development Master Plan lays a strategic foundation for positioning the country as a formidable player in the global digital economy.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Hanoi Times 2025-06-11