AI emerges as a powerful export enabler

On the afternoon of August 6, Ho Chi Minh City hosted the business networking conference "Mastering artificial intelligence (AI), Leading the Future of Exports with Alibaba.com." The event was jointly organized by the Investment and Trade Promotion Center of Ho Chi Minh City (ITPC) and Alibaba.com Vietnam Co., Ltd.

The conference highlighted the latest trends in applying AI to cross-border e-commerce and showcased AI-powered solutions for export operations. It also provided a platform for B2B networking, enabling businesses to expand their partner networks and explore new opportunities in international markets.

Speaking at the conference, Le Anh Hoang, Deputy Director of ITPC, said the world is undergoing a profound transformation, with AI, big data and digital platforms reshaping how businesses manufacture products, conduct business and reach overseas markets.

According to Le Anh Hoang, companies once competed primarily on production scale and cost. Today, their ability to adopt digital technologies and leverage data has become a defining factor in competitiveness and a prerequisite for deeper participation in global value chains.

Cross-border e-commerce is emerging as a new driver of exports. On July 31, 2026, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee issued the Master Plan for E-commerce Development in Ho Chi Minh City for the 2026-2030 period.

The plan aims to accelerate cross-border e-commerce and foster a comprehensive digital trade promotion ecosystem. It places strong emphasis on the adoption of AI and emerging technologies while strengthening digital skills and capabilities across the business community.

Despite these opportunities, many businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), continue to face challenges in digital transformation and international expansion. Key obstacles include shortages of skilled personnel, limited market research capabilities, language barriers, high customer acquisition costs and limited capacity to adopt advanced technologies.

Against this backdrop, AI is increasingly viewed as a practical business tool. It can help companies improve productivity, optimize costs, automate workflows and analyse customer data. AI also enables exporters to improve their performance on cross-border e-commerce platforms.

As part of its business support efforts, ITPC is accelerating the digital transformation of its trade promotion activities. The centre continues to organize international trade fairs, exhibitions, market surveys and business matching programs while expanding the application of digital technologies and AI in trade promotion.

In recent years, ITPC has worked with domestic and international partners, including Alibaba.com Vietnam, to organize training programs, workshops and seminars on digital transformation, e-commerce and AI. It has also strengthened cooperation with cross-border e-commerce platforms to provide businesses with practical training and support in developing online export channels.

Supply chain shifts create new opportunities for Viet Nam

Roger Luo, Regional Director for South Asia and Southeast Asia at Alibaba.com, said global trade is entering a period of profound transformation, with AI reshaping how buyers search for suppliers, negotiate transactions and manage supply chains.

According to Roger Luo, Alibaba.com currently features more than 600,000 Vietnamese products, reaching over 50 million B2B buyers across 200 countries and territories. Several product categories have recorded strong growth in buyer enquiries, including packaging, up 53 percent, textiles and garments, up 49 percent, and furniture, up 38 percent.

He noted that global supply chains are undergoing significant realignment as international buyers increasingly diversify their sourcing strategies. Viet Nam is well positioned to benefit from this trend thanks to its manufacturing capabilities, strategic location and dynamic business community.

At the conference, Alibaba.com introduced ACCIO Work in Viet Nam, an AI-powered agent designed specifically for exporters. The solution offers a range of functions, including automated enquiry responses, product recommendations, request-for-quotation (RFQ) management, compliance support for multiple markets and marketing optimisation.

According to Alibaba.com, AI enables businesses of all sizes to connect more effectively with international buyers while improving export performance.

From the logistics perspective, Tong Duy Hieu, Mekong Area Sales Director at A.P. Moller - Maersk, said global trade is being reshaped by geopolitical tensions, changing consumer behaviour and growing demands for more resilient supply chains.

Businesses are restructuring their manufacturing and logistics networks, moving away from dependence on a single country towards multi-country supply chains.

Asia remains the world's manufacturing powerhouse, but production networks are becoming more geographically diversified. Mekong countries are increasingly emerging as strategic hubs within regional and global value chains.

Viet Nam holds significant advantages in this transition. Its strategic location between China, ASEAN and major international shipping routes provides strong connectivity to key global markets.

The country's expanding network of seaports, expressways, industrial parks and transport infrastructure continues to strengthen connectivity. Its extensive network of free trade agreements (FTAs) also provides businesses with broader access to international markets.

With a coastline stretching 3,260 kilometres, Viet Nam is well positioned to develop deep-water ports and international transshipment services. The country's digital economy reached 39 billion US dollars in 2025, while 5G, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT) are driving digital transformation across the logistics sector.

Viet Nam is also prioritising investment in transport infrastructure, including railways, expressways, airports and deep-water seaports. At the same time, its network of industrial parks and economic zones continues to expand, providing a stronger foundation for manufacturing, trade and logistics.

As global supply chains continue to evolve, AI and cross-border e-commerce are creating new pathways for Vietnamese businesses to access international markets. Strengthening digital capabilities will be essential for companies seeking to enhance connectivity, reach more customers and expand their exports.