The rapid development of e-commerce in recent years has not only created new opportunities for large enterprises but also opened up a dynamic marketplace for small producers and locally distinctive products. Rather than relying entirely on national or international e-commerce platforms, an increasing number of localities in Vietnam are building their own regional e-commerce platforms—a strategic move to connect local specialties with markets in a more focused, professional, and sustainable way.

Local e-commerce platforms offer several key advantages. First and foremost, they concentrate on indigenous products, enhancing the visibility and recognition of regional brands. A buyer in Hanoi, for example, can access platforms like “OCOP Soc Trang” or “Mekong Delta Specialties” and easily browse dozens of categorized local goods, each with traceability information, high-quality images, and integrated user reviews.

Secondly, these platforms help address technical barriers for sellers. Many small-scale producers hesitate to join mainstream e-commerce sites because they lack the skills to photograph products, write descriptions, process orders, or engage with customers. A local platform that offers end-to-end support—from professional photography and order management to livestream training and logistics assistance—makes it easier for producers to participate and retain long-term customers.

An important feature of local platforms is their ability to integrate traceability and payment technologies. They can connect with quality management software, assign standardized QR codes, and synchronize certifications such as OCOP, VietGAP, or organic standards. Integration with e-wallets, digital banking, and same-day local delivery services helps streamline the entire shopping experience without reliance on third-party providers.

In provinces like Quang Ninh, Dong Thap, and Lam Dong, these localized e-commerce models have already proven effective—helping farmers sell tens of tons of produce within just a few days during pandemic lockdowns. Products such as Tan Cuong tea, U Minh wild honey, and Phuc Trach pomelo now receive consistent weekly orders thanks to these new digital sales channels.

However, to ensure the long-term success of local e-commerce platforms, strong investment in technological infrastructure, professional operational teams, and comprehensive communication strategies is essential. Collaboration between local governments, tech enterprises, and agricultural cooperatives is the critical foundation for effective operation, avoiding the all-too-common outcome of “build it and abandon it.”

When each province or region can actively connect its specialty products to consumers, local e-commerce becomes more than just a marketplace—it becomes an extension of regional culture, identity, and pride. This is a strategic direction that allows specialty products to break free from dependence on seasons, middlemen, or traditional markets, and confidently step into the digital age of commerce.