Business leaders came together at a workshop in Hanoi on November 14 to promote the application of technology in Vietnam’s small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in a bid to enhance competitiveness and expand markets.

According to the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who organised the event, technology is an effective tool for SMEs to promote their products, improve operations, reduce travel time and costs, and push exports.

Le Duc Anh from the Department of E-commerce and Information Technology said Vietnam has seen substantial growth in e-commerce over the past three years.

With advanced technology, SMEs with limited financial resources and low competitiveness will stand better chances to access international markets, Anh added.

Director of Asian-Pacific SME Energy Markets at Facebook, Huynh Kim Tuoc highlighted Facebook’s role as an effective marketing tool that connects businesses all over the world.

Meanwhile, General Director of the United Parcel Services (UPS), Jeff McLean, said UPS’ logistic services would help users follow up on their deliveries, thus reducing risks and errors in the process.

In 2013, the total value of e-commerce in Vietnam totalled two billion USD, and is expected to double in 2015.-VNA