E-commerce for rural industrial establishments:

On the morning of November 26th, in Hai Phong, the workshop "Consulting on the application of digital technology to online business in rural industrial establishments," organized by the Vietnam Handicraft Village Association in coordination with the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Hai Phong Department of Industry and Trade, attracted the attention of numerous artisans, businesses, and experts.

Many practical issues were raised, ranging from skill barriers, infrastructure, and legal issues to urgent requirements, in order to make e-commerce a new driving force to help Vietnamese craft villages accelerate in the digital age.

Delegates attending the workshop. Photo: Nguyen Mai

Digital transformation is inevitable, but it still faces many challenges.

Vietnam has over 5,400 craft villages and villages with traditional crafts, offering unique, valuable, and traditional products. However, according to Trinh Quoc Dat, an outstanding educator and Chairman of the Vietnam Craft Village Association, the market still primarily relies on traders, traditional shops, trade fairs, and direct tourists . This makes it difficult for products to reach younger customers and international visitors, while distribution costs are high and added value is low.

Mr. Trinh Quoc Dat emphasized that e-commerce not only expands markets but also helps producers sell directly, increase profits, and proactively adjust production according to actual demand. More importantly, digitizing products, processes, and craft stories will help spread Vietnamese culture to the world and encourage the younger generation to return to the craft.

Chairman of the Vietnam Handicraft Village Association, Trinh Quoc Dat, speaks at the workshop. Photo: Nguyen Mai

Based on practical experience, Mr. Nguyen Van Luu, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Chu Dau Ceramic Joint Stock Company, pointed out: “Previously, ceramic products were mainly sold through traders or shops, making it difficult to reach distant markets. However, thanks to platforms like Facebook, TikTok Shop, Zalo, Shopee, Amazon, Etsy…, we can reach customers anywhere.” According to Mr. Nguyen Van Luu, many craft villages, such as Chu Dau, Bat Trang, Dong Giao, Phu Vinh, and Dong Ho painting villages, have recorded a significant increase in export orders thanks to online sales.

However, significant difficulties and limitations remain in the development of e-commerce in craft villages and rural industrial establishments. Dr. Ton Gia Hoa, Vice President of the Vietnam Craft Village Association, believes that many businesses and production facilities still do not fully understand the legal regulations related to e-commerce. Numerous online sales websites violate regulations, leading to disputes and unfair competition, while consumer rights are not adequately protected. Small businesses and household producers also lack specialized personnel, resulting in confusion when implementing online activities.

Artisan Hoang Thi Phuong from Van Phuc weaving village (Ha Dong) presents her work at the workshop. Photo: Nguyen Mai

At the workshop, many presentations suggested that the technological skills of older artisans and craftsmen are limited; many production households lack the resources to take their own photos and videos , write product descriptions, or conduct digital marketing; competition with counterfeit and low-quality goods remains frequent, while transportation costs, especially for fragile items like ceramics, are still high.

According to artisan Hoang Thi Phuong from Van Phuc silk village, only about 5 to 10% of the village's products are sold through e-commerce channels. Most producers in Van Phuc are elderly and have difficulty accessing technology. "We really hope to receive support in digital skills training, production modernization, and brand development to preserve our craft," Ms. Phuong shared.

From the opinions expressed at the workshop, it is clear that the digitalization process of Vietnamese craft villages is facing obstacles ranging from infrastructure, human resources, and legal frameworks to competitiveness. However, the potential for development remains enormous if comprehensive and appropriate solutions are implemented.

From skills training to perfecting digital infrastructure.

According to Trinh Quoc Dat, Chairman of the Vietnam Handicraft Village Association, e-commerce is one of the important pillars to achieve the goal of the digital economy accounting for 30% of GDP by 2030. Therefore, developing e-commerce for handicraft villages should be considered a key task in the national digital transformation.

Delegates from traditional craft villages attend the workshop. Photo: Nguyen Mai

Mr. Trinh Quoc Dat proposed several key solutions: Training digital skills for artisans, business owners, and young workers; opening practical courses on livestreaming, video recording, order management, and online marketing; supporting technological infrastructure, especially high-speed internet, warehousing, logistics, and packaging that meets standards for long-distance shipping; building local brands, protecting geographical indications, and telling the story of the craft in a modern language; connecting with major e-commerce platforms, creating a direct bridge between craft villages and international markets; and improving support policies, including tax incentives, loans, advertising costs, and e-commerce promotion.

Sharing the same view, Mr. Nguyen Van Luu, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Chu Dau Ceramic Joint Stock Company, suggested that the State and associations should coordinate to expand training and guidance on digital technology in a "hands-on" manner, while standardizing packaging, designs, and quality standards to increase competitiveness. "Special attention should be paid to technology literacy classes for elderly artisans," Mr. Luu said.

Mr. Nguyen Quoc Huy, Head of the Industrial Management Department (Hai Phong City Department of Industry and Trade), speaks at the workshop. Photo: Nguyen Mai

In Dong Giao carpentry village (Hai Phong), outstanding artisan Vu Xuan Thep said that the locality is promoting innovation in production technology and improving designs in a green, environmentally friendly direction. Simultaneously, the craft village is strengthening its promotion on digital platforms, providing vocational training for young artisans, and building an image of high-quality products.

Representing businesses, Mr. Le Anh Xuan, Director of Seapics Joint Stock Company, expressed his readiness to cooperate with craft villages and support the development of a specialized e-commerce ecosystem. Meanwhile, Mr. Nguyen Quoc Huy, Head of the Industrial Management Department of the Hai Phong Department of Industry and Trade, stated that the application of digital technology not only expands markets but also optimizes management, reduces costs, and increases competitiveness. This forms the basis for sustainable rural economic development during this period of strong digital transformation.

Concluding the workshop, Chairman of the Vietnam Handicraft Village Association Trinh Quoc Dat affirmed the urgency of digital transformation, urging handicraft villages and businesses to strengthen practical actions, proactively participate in and take advantage of opportunities from e-commerce to expand further in the global market.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/thuong-mai-dien-tu-cho-co-so-cong-nghiep-nong-thon-go-diem-nghen-nhan-thuc-ha-tang-va-ky-nang-so-724744.html