E-commerce is spreading to rural markets.

In recent years, traditional buying and selling methods have gradually been replaced by modern forms: online shopping, selling on e-commerce platforms, social networks, and shopping apps. This shift has helped businesses reach customers more professionally and quickly, while also opening up a stable distribution channel for many products, especially OCOP (One Commune One Product) goods in rural areas.

• Collaboration to bring Bac Lieu agricultural products to e-commerce platforms.
• Over 120 officials and farmer association members received training on e-commerce for agricultural products.
• Enhancing business performance in the e-commerce sector for female members.

The development of e-commerce not only benefits both sellers and buyers, but also gradually narrows the gap between urban and rural areas in terms of digital economic development.

Online shopping and cashless payments are spreading to rural markets.

More and more consumers in Ca Mau are using cashless payment methods. From cities to rural areas, buying and selling can be done simply by scanning a QR code or making a quick bank transfer.

Phuong Nguyet dried shrimp processing facility, Phong Thanh commune, Ca Mau province.

Ms. Kha Tran (Chau Thoi commune) said: “Even though we live in a rural area, most snack shops, bubble tea shops, and meat, fish, and vegetable stalls allow online purchases and bank transfers. I've gotten used to not carrying much cash when I go out because most shops have QR codes.”

Not only customers, but many small business owners are also gradually adapting. Ms. Thu Thao, owner of a grocery store at Vinh Hung market, shared: “Before, I was hesitant to use technology. But many customers want to pay by QR code, and if I don't comply, I will lose customers. Now, about 30% of my transactions are cashless. I've also tried selling online, although not much yet, it clearly opens up new opportunities.”

In order to promote e-commerce, the Ca Mau Department of Industry and Trade has recently coordinated with other departments, agencies, and localities to implement many solutions. The focus is on improving the effectiveness of state management, promoting cross-border transactions, and expanding domestic and international markets through e-commerce platforms.

Bac Lieu Salt Joint Stock Company participates in a trade promotion fair with provinces nationwide. (Photo by Phan Thanh Cuong)

The Department has organized numerous training courses and skills development programs for managers, businesses, and cooperatives; supported website creation, online brand building, and product listing on major platforms such as Shopee, Lazada, Tiki, and Sendo; and provided guidance on effectively utilizing social media platforms like Facebook, Zalo, YouTube, and TikTok to promote products.

The provincial e-commerce exchange is also growing rapidly, with over 400 members including rural industrial establishments, businesses, cooperatives, and OCOP (One Commune One Product) entities. The exchange also links with other provinces and cities, contributing to bringing Ca Mau products to customers nationwide.

Mr. Phan Quoc Khanh, owner of a bird's nest business in Ninh Binh (Bac Lieu ward), shared: "Thanks to participating in trade promotion activities and receiving support for online sales, the business's revenue has increased by about 10%. I believe this will be a sustainable channel for brand development."

Similarly, Ms. Nguyen Anh Nguyet, owner of Phuong Nguyet establishment (Phong Thanh commune), said: “Previously, I only sold through traditional channels. With support from the Department of Industry and Trade, I have boosted sales through e-commerce and social media. As a result, our local specialty products have become more widely known. Every year, I even export several tons of dried shrimp to foreign markets.”

Scan the code to verify the product's origin. (Photo: Anh Tuan)

Ca Mau is determined to be among the top provinces in the Mekong Delta in terms of digital commerce.

According to the Department of Industry and Trade, e-commerce sales between businesses and consumers currently account for approximately 10% of the total retail sales and consumer service revenue in the province. Specifically, cashless payments in e-commerce account for 50%; 50% of purchases made on e-commerce websites/applications have electronic invoices; 60% of e-commerce websites integrate online ordering functions; 40% of small and medium-sized enterprises conduct business on e-commerce platforms; and 30% of businesses participate in e-commerce activities through mobile applications.

These figures show that e-commerce in Ca Mau is developing strongly, creating a foundation for the province to strive to be among the leading provinces in the Mekong Delta.

Ms. Phan Thi Thu Oanh, Deputy Director of the Department of Industry and Trade of Ca Mau province, at the province's OCOP product trade promotion fair. (Photo: Anh Tuan)

Ms. Phan Thi Thu Oanh, Deputy Director of the Department of Industry and Trade, emphasized: “E-commerce is a pioneering field in the digital economy, applying the technology of the 4.0 Industrial Revolution to modernize distribution, enhance business competitiveness, and promote exports. In recent times, thanks to the development of e-commerce, rural OCOP products have a more stable market, better prices, and at the same time narrow the gap between urban and rural areas.”

However, Ms. Oanh also noted that to thrive in the digital market, businesses and OCOP (One Commune One Product) entities need to focus more on production scale, product quality, clear origin, and brand reputation. These are key factors in building lasting trust with consumers.

With determination and a synchronized strategy, Ca Mau is gradually asserting its new position in e-commerce, transforming potential into advantages and contributing to making the province one of the leading localities in the region in digital commerce.

Chuc Chi

Source: https://baocamau.vn/thuong-mai-dien-tu-lan-toa-den-cho-que-a121990.html