HCMC – A new program has been initiated to help one million small retailers across Vietnam to embrace digital transformation to improve efficiency and gain access to modern financial tools.
On September 26, fintech firm MoMo and MM Mega Market Vietnam signed a cooperation agreement on digital transformation for traditional grocery stores, with the support of the HCMC Department of Industry and Trade.
In its first phase, the program will target shop owners in HCMC, contributing to the development of the city’s private sector. The model will later be expanded nationwide, with the ultimate goal of bringing one million retailers into the digital economy.
The initiative is designed around two main pillars: operations and finance. On the operational side, retailers will be connected to stable and reliable supply sources while adopting digital platforms for inventory management, multi-channel sales, tax filing, and electronic invoicing. On the financial side, they will be introduced to digital payment tools such as QR codes and soundbox devices that record transactions, allowing more accurate revenue tracking and cash flow management.
Nguyen Nguyen Phuong, deputy director of the HCMC Department of Industry and Trade, said small retailers require digital models that are simple, affordable, and effective, especially in revenue management, access to capital, and customer connection.
According to the department, retail sales of goods and services in HCMC exceeded VND1,000 trillion in the first seven months of this year. Most of this growth came from modern retail channels such as supermarkets, convenience stores, and e-commerce platforms, while traditional markets and small shops, which have historically dominated the retail landscape, are falling behind. The widening gap underscores the urgent need for comprehensive support programs for small businesses.
A MoMo survey of 203 small businesses revealed that the main obstacle to digital transformation is not technology itself but business habits. Many shop owners still manage orders, inventory, and finances manually, resulting in a lack of data to support future growth.
