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IT is the key to surviving inflation
Domestic enterprises have been urged to focus more on using information and technology (IT) applications to make their businesses more efficient and competitive during the current period of high inflation.
Rising prices have led to Vietnamese enterprises becoming less competitive, as they grapple with increasing input expenses, according to Dao Tuan Dung from the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Speaking at a conference held early this week in the capital, Dung said high inflation would alert and motivate local firms to improve their use of IT, which he described as an effective tool to reduce business expenses.
Viet Nam Communications Corp Deputy General Director Nguyen The Tan said good information and communication technology (ICT) application was a prerequisite for enterprises in the global context. A good website would help enterprises advertise themselves, build up their image and provide better contact with customers.
In the context of international integration, e-commerce and e-payment services are also a very important part of IT application and also an indispensable business tool.
PayNet Chief Executive Office Nguyen Chien Thang said e-payment would help enterprises to minimise investment and management costs, expand markets and hone their competitive advantages. Thang said he was optimistic about the development of e-commerce and e-payment in Viet Nam.
Peacesoft General Director Nguyen Hoa Binh said many Vietnamese enterprises sold their products through foreign intermediary companies, resulting in smaller profits and more expensive price tags on goods when they reach consumers.
This reliance in foreign middlemen could be lessened if domestic enterprises sold more of their stook online.
However, conference participants heard that despite the advantages of online sales and a strong focus on IT, many Vietnamese enterprises kept IT use to a minimum.
According to a survey conducted by the VCCI, 98 per cent of 526 surveyed firms in Ha Noi and HCM City used computers only for office applications; 65 per cent had their own websites but failed to update them often, while 85 per cent had websites but neglected network security.
New e-learning centre
A centre that will provide e-commerce training and computer skills opened in Ha Noi on Tuesday.
The APEC-Viet Nam E-learning Digital Centre will provide the training to Government officials, entrepreneurs, company staff and students.
The project was carried out by the Viet Nam E-Commerce Association and the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) Digital Opportunity Centre (ADOC).
VNS
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