English
Over the past two decades, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)’s trade facilitation programs have helped Vietnam open its economy and achieve significant trade growth. As a result, bilateral trade between the U.S. and Vietnam has surged from approximately $3 million to over $139 million. Building on this success, through the Vietnam Digital Trade Activity, USAID will collaborate with Vietnam to address regulatory gaps, promote private sector engagement in the rapidly growing digital economy, and unlock the potential of digital trade as a driving force for the country’s sustained growth.
SUPPORTING REGULATORY IMPLEMENTATION WITH PRIVATE SECTOR INPUT
This activity supports the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) in developing policy frameworks to facilitate digital trade. A key focus is on assisting MOIT in organizing public-private dialogues to ensure that implementation reflects private sector insights. Regulations aligned with the needs of businesses will remove trade bottlenecks, improve policy transparency, and foster an e-commerce environment where businesses of all sizes can thrive.
ENHANCING PRIVATE SECTOR ENGAGEMENT IN DIGITAL TRADE
The activity further encourages small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to engage in digital trade by introducing new business models and best practices, such as product traceability. It also facilitates cross-border business connections through the MOIT’s digital trade promotion platform, DECOBIZ. Additionally, the activity collaborates with the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), the Vietnam E-Commerce Association (VECOM), and other advocacy groups to promote digital trade nationwide. Special attention is given to businesses led by women and minority communities, ensuring inclusive economic growth for all segments of society.
IMPACT
Through this initiative, MOIT will transparently implement digital trade regulations and guidelines that incorporate feedback from the private sector. Business associations and advocacy groups will be better positioned to actively encourage their members to participate in digital trade. Moreover, the activity aims to support around 50% of SMEs in joining MOIT’s digital trade promotion platform, enabling them to grow faster than through traditional business networks.
IMPLEMENTATION AREAS
The project will primarily focus on the national level and selected provinces, which will be identified in the next phase.