The Regional Linkage Conference in Lai Chau, held from May 24th to 25th, 2025, was a highlight within the framework of the series of activities "Promoting regional linkages in e-commerce development in the Northern Midlands and Mountainous Region." Many digital technology solutions and distinctive regional products were showcased, contributing to the promotion of e-commerce development and connecting mountainous localities with the domestic market.
Exhibition area showcasing digital technology solutions in e-commerce by the Department of E-commerce and Digital Economy.
Within the framework of the event, the Department of E-commerce and Digital Economy, in coordination with relevant units, organized a series of rich and practical activities, including workshops and in-depth conferences with the participation of experts in the fields of e-commerce and digital technology. In addition, Mega Livestream sessions via the TikTokShop platform were implemented to promote highland products and connect consumers nationwide. Furthermore, practical training courses were organized for cooperatives, business households, and young entrepreneurs, providing them with opportunities to improve their skills and understanding of applying technology in the development of the digital economy.
A highlight of the event was the exhibition of digital technology models and regional specialty products, featuring 50 booths. The exhibition not only showcased famous specialty products from mountainous provinces but also demonstrated advanced digital technology solutions, particularly those tailored to the specific conditions of these regions. These solutions included e-commerce management platforms, online payment tools, and online export support systems, all aimed at promoting the development of the digital economy in these localities and increasing the value of highland specialty products.
At the exhibition booth, businesses and people in Lai Chau were introduced to new technological solutions. They were also guided on how to apply these solutions to their business operations to achieve the highest efficiency with their products.
These solutions not only relate to online sales technology but also include electronic payment platforms, data management, and technologies supporting online exports. Specifically, notable solutions showcased at the Conference include:
E-commerce Training - eClass: Online training programs ranging from basic to advanced levels, aimed at enhancing the professional skills and expertise in e-commerce for target groups such as government officials, businesses, and students, helping them apply their skills and knowledge to business practice.
Vietnam's Electronic Contract Development Hub - CeCA: This is a solution to promote digital transformation in transactions and commercial activities in Vietnam. It supports organizations, businesses, and individuals in managing, verifying, and processing electronic contract information. This system helps businesses optimize e-commerce processes, minimize paper usage, save time, and enhance professionalism. The system's goal is to promote digital transformation and develop safe, fast, and secure e-commerce in Vietnam.
Verifying the credibility of e-commerce stores - Trust.gov.vn: This online store verification system helps consumers identify reputable stores and avoid those with unclear origins or signs of fraud. For businesses, this system supports product information verification, optimizes marketing processes, and builds trust with customers.
Authenticity Verification Solution - Truyxuat.gov.vn & Votas.vn: This system helps protect consumers from counterfeit and fake goods, while also safeguarding the brand and reputation of quality products, creating a safe and transparent trading environment.
Online Export Ecosystem - Vietnamexport & ECVN: These online export platforms help Vietnamese businesses connect with international importers, support them in optimizing export costs, handling legal and logistics procedures, and thereby expand their international markets.
Connecting Vietnamese Products on E-commerce Platforms - Tuhaoviet.vn: This solution supports the promotion of Vietnamese products, helping Vietnamese brands gain a wider presence on major e-commerce platforms, enhancing product value, and strengthening the presence of Vietnamese goods in domestic and international markets.
Ekip.vn - E-commerce Website Design Platform: This tool helps businesses design and manage their own e-commerce websites without needing programming knowledge. This solution supports businesses in expanding their online sales channels, connecting with customers, and increasing revenue.
Vsign.vn - Remote Digital Signature System: This remote digital signature solution helps businesses easily complete import and export procedures, including applying for Certificates of Origin (C/O), without needing to be physically present, saving time and costs.
Challenges in e-commerce development in Lai Chau
Despite its significant potential in agricultural products and specialties, Lai Chau province still faces several obstacles in developing e-commerce. Information technology and logistics infrastructure is unevenly developed, especially in mountainous areas, making online connectivity and transactions difficult. Furthermore, the percentage of businesses participating in e-commerce remains low due to a lack of knowledge and skills in digital tools, hindering access to larger markets. Lai Chau businesses also struggle to implement effective digital marketing strategies, lacking online promotional tools such as livestreaming and social media advertising campaigns.
Mr. Nguyen Huu Tuan, Director of the Center for E-commerce and Digital Technology Development, Department of E-commerce and Digital Economy (Ministry of Industry and Trade) - eComDX, stated that not only Lai Chau but many other provinces also face similar difficulties in keeping up with new policies in e-commerce management and in practicing online sales skills suitable for new trends. Businesses here need support to develop the necessary skills to adapt to the rapidly changing online business environment.
Improving the quality of human resources in e-commerce.
To address the skills and knowledge gap in e-commerce application across the provinces, the Director of eComDX stated that the Center is focusing on training, helping businesses and individuals nationwide to apply technological solutions to their business operations. Given the difficulties in travel and the inconvenience of accessing in-person training classes, the Center will provide online courses, enabling businesses and individuals everywhere to easily participate and improve their e-commerce skills.
Specifically, in the coming period, eComDX will continue to implement in-depth training programs to improve the quality of e-commerce human resources. The courses are designed with a practical orientation, focusing on four main pillars: Go Online – helping businesses build a digital presence and develop online sales skills; Go Export – supporting effective connection and operation on cross-border e-commerce platforms; Go AI – equipping businesses with the capacity to apply artificial intelligence in marketing, operations, and customer service; and Go Right – updating legal systems, standardizing operations, and building sustainable brands. This will be a crucial foundation for businesses to thrive in the digital age.
Participating in the e-commerce digital technology exhibition in Lai Chau is one of the efforts of the Center for E-commerce and Digital Technology Development in building a strong e-commerce ecosystem, aiming to promote the development of the digital economy in mountainous and remote provinces. This is not only an opportunity for local businesses to develop sustainably in the digital age but also to promote the digital transformation process and shorten the digital divide between regions.
The Regional Linkage Conference in Lai Chau attracted the participation of businesses, state management agencies, and people from many different provinces and cities. Through this series of activities, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (Department of E-commerce and Digital Economy) hopes to work together with provinces in the Northern Midlands and Mountains region to promote the model of "each specialty product as a digital brand," contributing to job creation, increased income, sustainable economic development, and the dissemination of local cultural values.
