Promoting the use of digital technology in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME) to improve their competitive edge was the main topic of a seminar held in Ho Chi Minh City on November 2.

According to the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) – the co-organizer together with Google in Asia Pacific (Google APAC), digital technology plays an important role in Vietnamese firms’ operations.

In 2015, up to 95 percent of Vietnamese businesses used the internet, but nearly 60 percent of them faced difficulties in applying information technology.

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Head of VCCI’s Legal Department Dau Anh Tuan noted that businesses which have applied information technology are able to access information on policies and laws more easily and handle administrative procedures faster, thus reaping better results.

While mentioning the boom of mobile phones, especially smart phones, Head of Channel Sales of Google APAC Matthew Heller cited the results of surveys as saying that SMEs will operate better when they have a good website.

Their sales could increase four times as compared to other firms that operate without digital technology if they use websites and digital devices, he added.

VCCI’s Vice President Vo Tan Thanh said the support from the government and private sector is necessary to establish a synchronous and efficient technology infrastructure. More importantly, SMEs need to take the initiative in studying and applying digital technology.

Currently, Vietnam stands at fifth place in Asia in the number of internet users, with 52 million people. However, the application of digital technology remains limited.

Source: VNA