Digital transformation: New momentum for the domestic market in the Mekong Delta region

DNVN - Digital transformation is becoming an inevitable direction to help provinces and cities in the Mekong Delta (MD) modernize production, expand the market for Vietnamese goods and create sustainable momentum for the local economy in the digital age.

Opportunities and strength of Vietnamese goods

The Mekong Delta region - the "agricultural granary" of the country, is entering a period of strong transformation with the goal of bringing local products to a wider market through the application of technology and e-commerce. From initial pilot models, many localities have proven that digital technology is not only a tool to support production, but also a direct bridge between farmers and modern consumers.

One of the OCOP products displayed at major events in the Southern provinces.

In Dong Thap , which is considered a bright spot in promoting digital transformation in the Mekong Delta region, this trend is identified as a pillar in developing domestic trade. Mr. Dang Van Tuan - Deputy Director of the Department of Industry and Trade of Dong Thap province said that digital transformation and e-commerce are inevitable trends, helping local businesses, cooperatives and production households proactively expand markets, increase competitiveness, reduce intermediary costs and promote more effectively.

According to Mr. Tuan, recently the provincial industry and trade sector has organized many training programs, instructing businesses on livestream sales skills, setting up online booths, connecting with tiktokers, content creators, and supporting the construction of product traceability to increase credibility with consumers.

This support is creating a strong ripple effect. A series of businesses in Dong Thap, An Giang or Can Tho have started to "go public". From products such as Cat Chu mango, Dong Thap lotus, specialty rice, frog sausage, Linh fish sauce to custard apple tea, coconut nectar... all appear on Postmart, Voso, Shopee or Tiki. The combination of traditional production and modern business helps products from the river region "swim" further, reaching millions of consumers nationwide.

The combination of traditional production and modern business helps river products reach millions of consumers nationwide.

Not only stopping at e-commerce, smart management models in agricultural production are also gradually taking shape. Many cooperatives apply software to manage growing areas, automatic irrigation systems, electronic diaries, etc. to help optimize costs, increase productivity and meet export standards. This is a fundamental shift, when data becomes an "asset" to help farmers master the process and businesses proactively connect to the market.

In fact, digital transformation is bringing a “double lever”: helping to modernize the agricultural economy while improving the competitiveness of Vietnamese goods. When each local product can tell its story in digital language through images, QR codes, promotional videos or live streaming directly from the fields, the value lies not only in the goods, but also in the trust and regional identity.

Overcome cognitive barriers to breakthrough

Although opportunities are expanding, the digital transformation journey of the Mekong Delta region still faces many challenges. According to experts, the biggest obstacle lies not in technology, but in the awareness and management capacity of enterprises, cooperatives and small businesses - the entities that make up the majority of the local economic structure.

Most businesses in this region are small in scale, have limited capital, lack technology staff, and have not yet built a clear digital development strategy. Many units have only stopped at the level of "going online to advertise", without deeply exploiting customer data or analyzing the online market - key factors for effective business in the digital environment.

Ms. Le Ngoc Tram - owner of Ut Le Tram Pickled Watermelon (Dong Thap province) frankly shared: "Our products meet 3-star OCOP standards, but accessing modern distribution channels is still difficult. Hiring personnel who know how to do e-commerce in rural areas is very limited, we need more technical support and practical guidance."

According to the Department of Industry and Trade of Dong Thap, to overcome this difficulty, the province has implemented many specialized support programs such as "Putting agricultural products on the market", "Digital enterprises - smart farmers", in coordination with major e-commerce platforms to guide the transaction process, payment and promotion of OCOP products. The most important thing is to help producers understand that technology is not something too far away. When they see specific benefits, selling faster, at better prices, with more transparency, they will proactively switch.

At the same time, provinces in the region are actively implementing the domestic trade development strategy for the period 2025 - 2030, combining trade promotion with cultural festivals, consumer fairs, and Vietnamese goods weeks, aiming to bring local products closer to urban consumers. Some localities such as Can Tho City and provinces in the Mekong Delta have established digital economic management centers and provincial digital trading floors, contributing to the formation of a smart domestic consumption ecosystem.

Tiktokers are preparing to livestream to sell seedlings to gardeners in Cho Lach (Vinh Long).

According to experts from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Can Tho University, if the opportunity is well taken advantage of, the Mekong Delta can become a leading region in agricultural digital transformation, as it possesses abundant raw materials and the ability to link products with traceability, experiential tourism and green economy - three factors that are of particular interest to global consumers.

In reality, digital transformation is not just a “technology trend”, but a comprehensive reform in development thinking. When businesses change their thinking, cooperatives change their working methods and people change their consumption habits, the domestic market will be activated from the root. It is from this transformation that Vietnamese goods can affirm a solid position, not only domestically but also in the regional market.

Digital transformation helps expand the market

Digital transformation is becoming the “golden key” to help the Mekong Delta expand its market, increase the value of agricultural products and affirm its regional identity in the new era. When the government accompanies, businesses are proactive and people adapt, the whole region will gradually form a digital economy with a local imprint.

The combination of creative policies, modern technology and creative people is the foundation for Vietnamese products to break through, spreading the "vigor of the river" from rural markets to digital space, affirming their position domestically and internationally.

An Xuyen

Source: https://doanhnghiepvn.vn/chuyen-doi-so/chuyen-doi-so-suc-bat-moi-cho-thi-truong-noi-dia-vung-dbscl/20251025030530450