A livestream selling Vietnamese products on Shopee. Shopee has announced a strategic partnership with local authorities to drive forward e-commerce development plans. — Photo courtesy of Shopee Vietnam

HCM CITY — Leading e-commerce platform Shopee has announced a strategic partnership with local authorities to drive forward e-commerce development plans, supporting local businesses in expanding their distribution channels for homegrown products.

This collaboration marks the initiation of a series of long-term initiatives aimed at assisting Vietnamese enterprises in transitioning into the digital economy, enhancing operational efficiency, and venturing into new markets.

Trần Tuấn Anh, managing director of Shopee Vietnam, said: “Việt Nam’s e-commerce sector is transitioning into a more competitive and professional phase, requiring businesses not only to establish a presence but also to operate efficiently and adapt quickly to evolving digital consumer needs and market dynamics. In response, Shopee is developing practical initiatives with long-term support to help Vietnamese businesses progressively strengthen their foundations and better capture opportunities in the digital economy.”

In alignment with this vision, Shopee has introduced a comprehensive spectrum of initiatives tailoured to support Vietnamese businesses at various growth stages, ranging from establishing a robust online footprint to expanding into local and regional markets.

Through the “Shopee Local Rise” initiative, Shopee implements activities focused on enhancing capabilities for SMEs, co-operatives, and household businesses, while supporting their step-by-step participation and growth on e-commerce platforms.

These activities are implemented within Shopee’s ecosystem, enabling local businesses to expand distribution channels for local products and build standard online operations to enhance access to new markets, thereby promoting digital consumption and driving long-term e-commerce growth.

The initiative aims to expand digital distribution channels for OCOP products and key local specialties, while enhancing nationwide consumer access through e-commerce. The centralised storefront will also strengthen brand recognition for products in the digital economy.

Launched in 2024, “Shopee Enables SMEs” is a flagship initiative jointly implemented by Shopee and the Vietnam E-commerce Association (VECOM).

In 2026, the initiative will be expanded in both scale and scope to meet the diverse needs of the business community. Beyond supporting new sellers, Shopee also assists those facing growth challenges or resource constraints during expansion, while connecting with students and young talent - an important workforce for the industry.

As Vietnamese SMEs strengthen their presence in the domestic market, cross-border e-commerce represents the next step in their growth journey. Accordingly, through the “Shopee EZ Exports – Vietnam Everywhere” programme, businesses can access millions of consumers across ASEAN markets, opening up new revenue streams and diversifying their customer base.

Following its initial phase of technical development, the “Vietnam Pavilion” on Shopee International is expected to launch in Q2 this year, offering businesses a centralised channel to enhance visibility and connect with online consumers in markets such as Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand.

In parallel, training programmes focusing on digital export capabilities will help businesses better understand regional demand, adapt their offerings, and compete more effectively across markets. — VNS