Can you please explain why e-commerce is important for businesses and the economy, in the context of international integration?
The world is becoming a smaller and smaller place. The scale of commerce today has broken down all frontiers, in terms of geography, language and development. e-Commerce has become an indispensable business tool. E-commerce is an irreversible trend.
Vietnam is undergoing an e-commerce revolution in both quantity and quality. e-Commerce services, including payment and transportation, are improving markedly.
What are your views on the current state of e-commerce in Vietnam?
e-Commerce in Vietnam is like a snowball at the top of a mountain – it is in its infancy, but the momentum is there to sweep away all difficulties and hindrances.
When asked this question previously, I would point out the difficulties we were encountering, such as the mindset [of the business community], the lack of infrastructure and the marketplace itself.
Now, however, I can say with confidence that this is a golden opportunity for businesses to go online. If an enterprise is determined, it will be successful.
Can you share with us some of your e-commerce experiences?
Our experiences have been good. To be successful, e-commerce suppliers must be up to date, have easy-to-use products, provide a good service, promote themselves, and be able to connect customer to customer, business to business and customer to business.
Peacesoft Solutions Corporation received investment capital from IDG Ventures. How has the corporation been performing?
Very well! The capital and reputation of IDG helped the launch of chodientu [an online shopping website], which now has more than 100,000 members and 100,000 products.
Peacesoft and IDG plan to build on this success by hooking up with strategic international partners.
As head of an e-commerce enterprise, what do you think about the establishment of the Vietnam e-Commerce Association?
The establishment of Vecom is timely and meets the expectation of both e-commerce businesses and application enterprises. Vecom will be able to provide an e-commerce consultation service, while protecting businesses, as well as customers, from the inherent risks of e-commerce.
How do you expect Vecom will help its members?
e-Commerce suppliers will be members of the first and most prestigious e-commerce organisation in the country. It will allow their voices to be heard.
Vecom will share its practical experiences of the State’s policy-building process - in terms of e-commerce.
Vecom will also make full use of our unity to strengthen e-commerce development in the country. For example, through Vecom, chodientu may join up with OnePay/VCB to supply online payment-training services.
Meanwhile, firms that conduct their business activities electronically will be able to get together for training and promotion activities in Vietnam and abroad, organised annually by Vecom.
Secondly, they will be able to take part in prestigious e-commerce quality awards organised by Vecom. Lastly, Vecom members will be given access to comprehensive e-commerce solutions at preferential rates.
How do you see e-commerce developing in Vietnam? How will Vecom contribute towards that development?
The next two years will be a sublime time for e-commerce in the domestic market and for exports. Those who are slow to embrace e-commerce will be at a disadvantage in terms of competitiveness. People who don’t know how to trade online will suffer in their personal lives and at work.
Vecom will contribute to the development of e-commerce in terms of grouping individuals and organisations together. Their combined strength will allow them to compete effectively with foreign forces.
They will have a voice in the law-making process and be able to develop e-trade promotion activities. Vecom will help develop e-commerce infrastructure, while protecting the interest of consumers.