Vietnam’s Dong Thap province is expanding the use of e-commerce at the commune level as part of a wider effort to strengthen rural digital transformation and improve market access for local agricultural products.
A training conference held on 22 September 2026 brought together government officials, businesses and commune representatives to prepare for new e-commerce regulations, develop digital skills and support implementation of commune-level e-commerce criteria. The initiative also includes practical guidance on the use of artificial intelligence in public administration.
Training programme supports rural digital transformation
The conference was organised by the eCommerce Development Centre under the E-commerce and Digital Economy Agency of Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, together with Dong Thap’s Department of Industry and Trade. Around 100 participants attended in person and online, including public sector officials, businesses and commune representatives.
Discussions focused on the implementation of Vietnam’s updated e-commerce legal framework, including the E-commerce Law 122/2025/QH15 and Decree 248/2026/ND-CP, both effective from 1 July 2026. Participants also received guidance on Criterion 7.3 within Vietnam’s rural development framework for 2026–2030.
The programme reflects broader national efforts to integrate digital tools into agricultural and rural development policy. Recent initiatives highlighted in Vietnam’s agricultural digital transformation agenda have emphasised the role of data platforms, traceability systems and digital services in supporting farmers and local producers.
Commune-level e-commerce linked to local production
Dang Van Tuan, Deputy Director of Dong Thap’s Department of Industry and Trade, said the province aims to improve the reach of local agricultural and One Commune One Product (OCOP) goods through structured e-commerce development. He highlighted the importance of strengthening digital skills, product content, traceability systems, logistics and transaction measurement.
“Commune-level e-commerce must be closely linked to the practical production activities of local people.” Nguyen Huu Tuan, Director, eCommerce Development Centre
Nguyen Huu Tuan said the province should prioritise three areas: digital skills development, creation of local support ecosystems and stronger practical deployment of e-commerce platforms for cooperatives, businesses and household producers. The objective is to improve sustainable sales channels for rural products while strengthening local participation in the digital economy.
Officials also encouraged the creation of local support networks involving youth groups, women’s organisations and community digital teams. These groups would help residents establish online stores, manage orders and connect with postal and delivery services.
Measuring implementation through local data systems
The conference outlined a five-step process for implementing Criterion 7.3, including establishing inter-agency working groups, collecting administrative and postal data, conducting local surveys and developing provincial e-commerce databases.
Authorities plan to measure outcomes through indicators such as the proportion of active online stores, the presence of OCOP products on digital platforms, QR code adoption and overall e-commerce transaction values across the province.
The approach reflects Vietnam’s growing emphasis on evidence-based digital governance and local data management. Wider national discussions on emerging technologies, including AI governance and public sector implementation, have increasingly focused on balancing innovation with regulatory oversight and public trust.
AI tools introduced for public administration
A significant part of the programme focused on practical AI applications in government operations. Participants received training on using AI tools for information gathering, report preparation, document drafting, presentation design and communication planning.
The training also covered the creation of promotional materials, including product images and short-form videos to support local branding and public communication activities. Officials said these tools could help communes improve outreach while reducing administrative workloads.
This article is created with the assistance of OpenGov AI.
