Digital transformation of traditional markets: Starting from payment, towards digital economy

The Digital Transformation Program for Traditional Market Traders aims to modernize business operations, helping traders integrate into the digital economic flow.

On June 14, in Ho Chi Minh City, the Digital Transformation Program for Traditional Market Traders was officially launched. The program starts with cashless payments, aiming to modernize business operations, helping traders integrate into the digital economy .

The event took place within the framework of the Cashless Day 2025 Program. The program is expected to help traders at traditional markets improve their business capacity and integrate into the national digital economy. Member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc attended and directed the event.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade officially launched the Digital Transformation Program for traditional market traders. (Photo: Ethnicity and Development Newspaper)

Speaking at the program, Director of the Department of E-commerce and Digital Economy Le Hoang Oanh said that digital transformation cannot be separated from digital payment. In the period of 2026-2030, the Ministry of Industry and Trade aims for 80% of e-commerce transactions to use cashless payment methods. To achieve this, the program will actively popularize methods such as QR Code, e-wallet, contactless payment... especially in traditional markets - where the potential is still huge but has not been properly exploited.

This goal is specified in Decision 1568/QD-BCT dated June 3, 2025 of the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Accordingly, by 2030, the rate of non-cash payments in e-commerce must reach 80%. To implement this, Director of the Department of E-commerce and Digital Economy Le Hoang Oanh said that the program will actively popularize methods such as QR Codes and e-wallets in traditional markets.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Phan Thi Thang emphasized that to narrow the digital gap, it is necessary to focus on two pillars. The first is to raise digital awareness in the community. The second is to provide appropriate technology platforms for each group of small traders.

This strategy is considered a “three-pronged attack” to accelerate the transformation process. The three prongs include: developing digital infrastructure, promoting cashless payments, and connecting small traders with e-commerce platforms.

Within the framework of the program, units such as TikTok, Haravan, Mat Bao, Lemon Digital have brought many practical support packages. The support includes livestream sales, electronic invoices and multi-channel marketing.

According to Mr. Nguyen Lam Thanh, representative of TikTok Vietnam, the program not only brings opportunities to reach customers widely but also creates a clear impression on people's digital transformation thinking, marking an important step forward in the national digital transformation process.

The program is an important stepping stone to gradually modernize the small-scale business model, promoting the application of technology in all stages from sales, payment to management. This is not just a technology project, but a long-term strategy to narrow the development gap between traditional markets and the modern economy, contributing to enhancing the position of Vietnamese people in the global digital supply chain.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/chuyen-doi-so-cho-truyen-thong-bat-dau-tu-thanh-toan-huong-toi-kinh-te-so-214235.html