E-commerce bridges the gap as highland markets go digital

Resolution No. 57 of the Politburo on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation has made its way into every village and highland market in border Lai Chau province, Northern Vietnam.

e-commerce bridges the gap as highland markets go digital picture 2

In digital studios equipped with modern technology, local people livestream their agricultural products on digital platforms, attracting thousands of viewers.

e-commerce bridges the gap as highland markets go digital picture 3

Not only in those modern livestream rooms, but even at traditional markets such as San Thang, Si Lo Lau, and Pa Tan, online sales are promoted by highland residents.

e-commerce bridges the gap as highland markets go digital picture 4

At the San Thang highland market, every Thursday and Sunday, people gather from early morning to display and sell their local goods such as pseudoginseng, angelica, and black cardamom.

e-commerce bridges the gap as highland markets go digital picture 5

Many vendors at the market now own smartphones with internet access, which they use to introduce and promote their products.

e-commerce bridges the gap as highland markets go digital picture 6

Not just one, but up to three or four smartphones are often operated simultaneously by the vendors to showcase their local agricultural products.

e-commerce bridges the gap as highland markets go digital picture 7

The most commonly promoted items this season are fresh medicinal herbs such as đpseudoginseng, angelica, and cardamom, and ginseng.

e-commerce bridges the gap as highland markets go digital picture 8

In addition, dried local fruits such as macadamia nuts, black cardamom, and wild apple are also introduced to domestic consumers.

e-commerce bridges the gap as highland markets go digital picture 9

Online interaction builds trust and accelerates the buying and selling process, benefiting both sellers and buyers.

e-commerce bridges the gap as highland markets go digital picture 10

Not only women, but also men from local highland communities eagerly engage in livestream selling at these traditional markets.

e-commerce bridges the gap as highland markets go digital picture 11

After orders are placed, products are carefully packaged and handed over to delivery companies for shipment to customers.

e-commerce bridges the gap as highland markets go digital picture 12

Quick order confirmations, home deliveries, and cashless payments have become a new yet familiar business model for ethnic communities in Lai Chau’s highlands.

e-commerce bridges the gap as highland markets go digital picture 13

Digital technology is genuinely transforming the economic and social life of people in the remote villages of Lai Chau.

e-commerce bridges the gap as highland markets go digital picture 14

Giang A Thanh, a Hmong man from Ta Leng commune, who regularly attends the San Thang market, says that each livestream session can earn him VND2–3 million.

e-commerce bridges the gap as highland markets go digital picture 15

Livestreaming not only boosts sales but also serves as a “bridge” connecting the culture and image of highland life to people across the country.

e-commerce bridges the gap as highland markets go digital picture 16

Providing smartphones and training for people in remote areas to livestream and sell goods has been actively implemented by local authorities in Lai Chau, becoming a key political mission.

e-commerce bridges the gap as highland markets go digital picture 17

The implementation of Resolution No. 57 on digital transformation has yielded tangible results, helping not only enhance product consumption but also shift mindsets, increase awareness, and drive socio-economic development in highland villages.