Increasing the labor force in the digital commerce sector is essential.
E-commerce in Vietnam on an Upsurge, Bolstering Call for Skilled Talent
HÀ NỘI — The burgeoning e-commerce market in Vietnam has witnessed a significant expansion, surpassing $25 billion in 2024—a 20% year-on-year growth—and currently accounting for about 9% of the nation's overall retail sales of goods and consumer services.
Nguyễn Huỷu Tuấn, director of the Centre for E-commerce and Digital Technology Development (eComDX) under the Vietnam E-commerce and Digital Economy Agency, Ministry of Industry and Trade, highlighted the shortage and underdevelopment of human resources in the e-commerce sector at a workshop on technology management in the digital age held in Hanoi on Tuesday.
The growing demand for skilled professionals in digital marketing, logistics, customer service, IT, and platform development has become increasingly crucial as e-commerce continues to expand. The 'on-demand' training model between the government and enterprises was identified as a potential solution to bridge the gap, offering a flexible model that adapts to market needs, blending theoretical knowledge with practical application.
However, a sustainable and effective implementation of this model requires clear and transparent coordination between the government and enterprises. Training programs should prioritize providing basic knowledge and core skills to ensure long-term adaptability within the ever-changing e-commerce landscape.
The integration of subjects related to new technology, such as AI applications in e-commerce, blockchain, cryptocurrencies, AI in finance, big data management, and analysis, has started to transform e-commerce training programs in Vietnam. Some universities have incorporated these topics into their curricula, while the Vietnam E-commerce and Digital Economy Agency has rolled out digital technology training initiatives for businesses and local departments to enhance their e-commerce capabilities.
Domestically, Vietnam has made strides in developing the digital economy, but still confronts hurdles, including a shortage of digital talent, limited innovation capacity, and inconsistent policies to encourage R&D investments. To ensure a steady and sustainable growth, the creation of an enabling environment, promoting policies that encourage innovation, and investing in research and development will be critical.
The workshop on technology management in the digital age held in Hà Nội on Tuesday. Photo thoibaonganhang.vn
Vietnam aims to be among the top three ASEAN countries in AI research capacity by 2030 and for the digital economy to contribute at least 50% of GDP by 2045. As the e-commerce market continues to expand, nurturing a skilled, adaptable workforce will be essential to maintain the sector's sustained growth and success within the evolving digital economy.
- The growing e-commerce market in Vietnam necessitates a skilled workforce, with demand increasing for professionals in digital marketing, logistics, customer service, IT, and platform development.
- The 'on-demand' training model, combining government and enterprise collaboration, offers a flexible approach to addressing the human resource shortage in the e-commerce sector.
- For this model to be successful, there should be clear and transparent coordination between the government and businesses, with training programs prioritizing basic knowledge and core skills.
- As e-commerce evolves, the integration of new technologies such as AI applications, blockchain, cryptocurrencies, AI in finance, big data management, and analysis is transforming e-commerce training programs in Vietnam.
- To sustain growth, Vietnam must address hurdles like a shortage of digital talent, limited innovation capacity, and inconsistent policies to encourage R&D investments.
- With aims to be a top ASEAN nation in AI research capacity by 2030 and for the digital economy to contribute at least 50% of GDP by 2045, nurturing a skilled, adaptable workforce will be essential for the continued success of the e-commerce sector.
- Investment in education and self-development, focusing on technology and finance, will be vital in ensuring a steady, sustainable growth of the e-commerce market in Vietnam, contributing to the overall digital economy.
