Vietnamese businesses urged to upgrade for ASEAN digital economy integration

Vietnamese businesses face increasing pressure to upgrade their capabilities to integrate more deeply into the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) and global supply chains. As global supply chains undergo restructuring, international corporations are prioritizing resilience, data transparency, and speed of response over low labor costs.

Experts at a forum organized by HCMC C4IR noted that geopolitical shifts are driving regionalization. To remain competitive, Vietnamese firms must move beyond simple assembly roles to become strategic partners capable of managing value chains and meeting sustainable development standards.

Challenges remain significant, as small and micro-enterprises—which constitute 98% of the sector—show vulnerability to market fluctuations. Recent data indicates a high rate of business exits, highlighting the need for a cohesive ecosystem where large enterprises, small businesses, and logistics providers are interconnected to enhance national productivity and international competitiveness.