The launching ceremony of the expansion of QR code payment connectivity between Việt Nam and China. — Photos courtesy of NAPAS

HÀ NỘI — The National Payment Corporation of Việt Nam (NAPAS), Ant International and the Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Foreign Trade of Việt Nam (Vietcombank) have announced the expansion of QR code payment connectivity between Việt Nam and China, marking a significant step in advancing cross-border digital payments.

The move comes as Chinese tourist arrivals to Việt Nam continue to grow, underscoring rising demand for seamless, secure and convenient payment solutions.

Under the partnership, Chinese visitors can use the Alipay e-wallet, part of Ant International’s ecosystem, to scan VietQR Global codes and make payments at merchants within the NAPAS network nationwide.

These include retail outlets, restaurants, hotels and popular tourist destinations.

Transactions are processed through the integrated infrastructure of NAPAS and Ant International, with Vietcombank acting as the settlement bank, enabling direct payments between the Vietnamese đồng and Chinese yuan.

Nguyễn Quang Minh, CEO of NAPAS, said the cooperation represents a milestone in the corporation’s efforts to expand international payment connectivity.

“By linking Việt Nam’s national retail payment infrastructure with a leading payment ecosystem in China, we enable Chinese visitors to enjoy a familiar, convenient and secure QR payment experience, while opening up new growth opportunities for Vietnamese businesses,” he said.

Lê Quang Vinh, CEO of Vietcombank, noted that cross-border QR payments are emerging as a key trend in international transactions.

“As the designated settlement bank, Vietcombank has invested significant resources to ensure a seamless experience for users," he said.

"At the same time, the solution helps Vietnamese merchants tap into a vast base of international customers.”

Douglas Feagin, president of Ant International, highlighted the broader economic impact of seamless payment connectivity, particularly for small businesses.

“When payments work smoothly, commerce follows, tourism flourishes, and small businesses gain access to customers they would not otherwise reach,” he said, adding that Việt Nam’s rapid digital transformation in mobile payments, e-commerce and fintech innovation provides a strong foundation for such initiatives.

Customers experience QR code payments at the launch event.

NAPAS and Ant International plan to roll out outbound payment capabilities from Việt Nam to China, enabling Vietnamese users to scan Alipay QR codes using domestic banking applications. Once completed, the two-way payment connection is expected to further facilitate tourism and trade between the two countries.

Beyond China, NAPAS has already established bilateral QR payment connectivity with several markets in the region, including Thailand, Laos and Cambodia, and is continuing to expand its network. The initiative reflects broader efforts to strengthen Việt Nam’s digital payment infrastructure and deepen regional economic integration. — VNS