Promoting digital transformation in trade and service enterprises

(Baothanhhoa.vn) - In the context of the digital economy increasingly playing a leading role, digital transformation (DX) is identified as a key task for enterprises in Thanh Hoa province, both inevitable and a solution to improve competitiveness. In recent years, under the direction of the province and the support of departments and branches, this activity has achieved many outstanding results, creating a foundation for enterprises to deeply integrate into the national and international digital economy.

Winmart chain stores in the province apply digital transformation in business operations.

By the end of 2024, Thanh Hoa province will have more than 21,350 small and medium enterprises, accounting for about 90% of the total number of enterprises in the province. Of which, the rate of enterprises implementing digital transformation will reach nearly 30%, an increase of nearly 4% over the same period last year. This is an encouraging number, reflecting the digitalization trend that is spreading more and more strongly in the trade and service enterprise sector. Many typical models have emerged, such as the Hien Quyet sour sausage facility in Quang Hoa commune. By applying digital solutions in management and sales, the facility has built an online brand to bring products to the markets of Hanoi , Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang and expand distribution channels through e-commerce platforms. Or like Yen Sao Xu Thanh Company Limited is also a typical example when building a website, taking advantage of platforms like Facebook, TikTok, Lazada and Alibaba to livestream sales, this unit has increased revenue significantly, affirming its brand in the market inside and outside the province. Some hotels and restaurants in Sam Son such as Dragon Sea Hotel have deployed an online booking system, cashless payment, thereby attracting more young customers, creating a more convenient and modern experience.

Along with the efforts of businesses, Thanh Hoa province has issued many policies and programs to accompany and create leverage for the business community to implement digital transformation. Notably, Plan No. 77/KH-UBND dated March 28, 2023 sets the target of having at least 100 digital enterprises by 2025 and 150 digital enterprises by 2030. Resolution No. 214/2022/NQ-HDND of the Provincial People's Council also allocates important resources to support businesses, focusing on three main groups: capital support, product promotion and consulting, renting or buying digital solutions. In 2023 alone, nearly 2.5 billion VND was allocated to support about 15 small and medium-sized enterprises in consulting work, and at the same time support 25 units to rent or buy suitable digital solutions. The maximum support level can be up to 55 million VND for small enterprises and 110 million VND for medium enterprises, helping many units overcome the initial cost barrier.

In parallel, the province also focuses on training and fostering digital human resources for businesses. 77 training courses on management knowledge and information technology application have been organized, in which more than 300 owners and workers in the agricultural sector have been trained in digital skills. In addition, 4,498 businesses have been granted free digital signatures in the first year, thereby strongly encouraging the implementation of electronic invoices, electronic payments and online transactions. As a result, electronic invoices have been almost universalized throughout the province, about 870 thousand non-cash payment accounts have been activated and operated effectively...

According to Mr. Le Van Khoa, Head of Trade Management Department, Thanh Hoa Department of Industry and Trade, digital transformation is opening up huge opportunities for local businesses. If in the past, businesses mainly approached customers through traditional channels, now, thanks to e-commerce, just a typical product in a mountainous district can reach the national market. The important issue is that businesses must proactively innovate, invest in technology and human resources, and the State will accompany with policies and infrastructure...

In addition to the achieved results, there are still many difficulties and challenges. In reality, only about 30% of enterprises have applied digital transformation, the majority of the rest, especially micro-enterprises and individual business households, have not yet approached it or are still hesitant. Some units, although having implemented it, have not yet built a long-term strategy, lacking synchronization, leading to low efficiency. Investment costs for technology solutions are still a burden for many small businesses, while high-quality human resources are still limited...

To further promote digital transformation in trade and service enterprises, Thanh Hoa has identified the need to synchronize many solutions. First of all, it is necessary to continue raising awareness for the business community, helping economic entities clearly understand the specific benefits that digital transformation brings. In addition, organizing specialized training courses for each industry such as retail, hotels, and logistics will help businesses have practical application orientation, avoiding the situation of following trends. The province also needs to replicate successful digital transformation models, considering them as the core of diffusion, and at the same time build a digital ecosystem connecting businesses along the industry chain, from logistics, marketing to retail distribution. In terms of policy, it is necessary to maintain flexible financial support, encourage the form of monthly technology solution rental to reduce capital pressure for small businesses. In addition, on-site technical consulting services should be enhanced, directly answering businesses, helping them overcome difficulties right from the initial implementation stage...

Digital transformation is not only about applying technology but also about a comprehensive change in management thinking and business models. When the government creates mechanisms, the industry and trade sector supports, and businesses proactively participate, Thanh Hoa's trade and services will have the conditions to make a breakthrough, thereby realizing the goal of bringing the province into the leading group of the country in digital economy by 2025.

Article and photos: Chi Pham

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/day-manh-chuyen-doi-so-trong-doanh-nghiep-thuong-mai-dich-vu-261145.htm