Nearly 100 businesses learn from experience in building digital storefronts

The Hai Phong Department of Industry and Trade and Alibaba.com jointly held a workshop on August 28 to enhance export capacity. Nearly 100 representatives of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Hai Phong attended the event.

According to the city Department of Industry and Trade, Hai Phong has maintained one of the highest economic growth rates in the country for many consecutive years, supported by a well-developed seaport, railway, road, and air transport system.

In addition, the National Assembly’s adoption of Resolution No. 226/2025/QH15 on piloting a free trade zone in Hai Phong is expected to give further impetus to the city’s import-export activities.

However, to effectively seize opportunities from both policies and markets, businesses, especially SMEs, must quickly adapt to new business models, with cross-border e-commerce considered one of the breakthrough directions.

Speaking at the workshop, Alibaba.com representatives noted that the platform has over 50 million buyers from more than 200 countries and territories, with more than 47 million active buyers across 40 key industries.

Data from the platform shows that more than 80% of buyers on Alibaba.com search for new products, and 62% want to switch suppliers to reduce risks, opening up significant opportunities for Vietnamese businesses if they can capitalize effectively.

On this occasion, Hai Phong SMEs also shared their initial experiences in exporting via e-commerce, from technical challenges and customer engagement strategies to building digital images and brand identity.

Based on these practical stories, Alibaba.com experts offered practical experiences and specific solutions to help the businesses gradually establish their digital storefronts, reach international customers, and increase export orders on the global B2B platform.

According to Vu Thi Kim Phuong, Deputy Director of the Department of Industry and Trade, the city will continue supporting businesses in their digital transformation and digital export journey through training, consultancy, and connections with major e-commerce platforms. The city will also promote technical and financial support policies tailored to the characteristics of SMEs.

These efforts are expected to help Hai Phong’s key products, from supporting industries, machinery, and electronics to handicrafts and processed agricultural products, reach further on the global trade map.

HIEP LE