Leveraging advantages to boost trade and service development

Dong Nai is one of the most economically dynamic localities and holds an important strategic position. These are key advantages for fostering the digital technology and innovation ecosystem, developing green and sustainable growth models, and at the same time advancing services, consumption and e-commerce to better meet the needs of the people.

Consumers shop for agricultural products at a supermarket in Binh Phuoc Ward.

The service sector accounts for more than 26% of the city's gross regional domestic product (GRDP) and continues to play an important role in Dong Nai's economic structure, supporting production, facilitating the circulation of goods, and expanding consumer amenities and services. Sectors such as trade, transport, logistics, finance, hospitality, and services supporting production and business activities continue to contribute to the recovery and expansion of the city's economic activities.

Developing a retail network

In 1996, Cora Supermarket (now the GO! Dong Nai Mall), the first true supermarket in Dong Nai and indeed in Vietnam, was established and began operations at the Vung Tau intersection in Long Hung Ward. To date, Dong Nai's trade and service network has continued to expand, providing consumers with more choices and service experiences, ranging from traditional to modern, while contributing positively to the city's socio-economic development.

According to the Department of Industry and Trade, the city currently has nine shopping malls and 19 supermarkets. In addition, chains of convenience stores and mini-supermarkets have expanded across many parts of the city, including areas far from the center. The supply of goods at these supermarkets, shopping malls, and convenience stores remains stable, effectively meeting the needs of residents and businesses.

Dong Nai is affirming its role as a strategic link in regional and global supply chains. The city occupies a key position connecting the East-West Economic Corridor, the Cai Mep - Thi Vai deep-water port cluster, Long Thanh International Airport, and a system of key industrial zones, forming an integrated network that spans research, production, supporting industries, logistics, and exports. This provides a foundation for enhancing competitiveness, strengthening supply chain adaptability, and attracting high-quality investment capital.

Le Duc Thuan, Director of Lotte Mart Dong Nai in Long Binh Ward, said the supermarket is constantly improving service quality to better serve consumers. Specifically, the supermarket is focusing on developing multi-platform sales, from websites and mobile applications to online business platforms, while also developing livestream sales channels to expand its “digital touchpoints” and increase convenience for consumers.

In addition to its modern retail system, the city currently has 197 traditional markets under a master plan and tens of thousands of business households providing essential goods to the public. The market system continues to play a vital role in commodity distribution, especially in rural areas, serving as a channel for local produce and meeting residents' purchasing and consumption needs.

Recently, despite considerable market fluctuations, retail sales and consumer service revenue in Dong Nai have maintained relatively strong growth. The application of technology in business operations and the diversification of service offerings have also been stepped up. The goods market has remained generally stable, with supply ensured, while consumer purchasing power has increased thanks to promotional programs and measures to stimulate consumption.

Many supermarkets and shopping malls in Dong Nai regularly launch large-scale consumer stimulus programs, attracting customers to visit and shop during holidays and Tet. Among them are numerous programs dedicated to Vietnamese goods and local specialties.

Le Van Hong, Director of GO! Dong Nai Mall in Long Hung Ward, said the supermarket frequently implements major consumer-stimulation programs, especially during holidays and Tet, to attract customers. In particular, the supermarket has set up a dedicated area for local One Commune, One Product (OCOP) items in a visible and convenient location for shopping. The stall currently displays and sells over 50 OCOP products, 21 of which are from Dong Nai.

Nguyen Hoai Anh, a resident of Tran Bien Ward, said the city's retail system is placing increasing emphasis on diversifying its product offerings, particularly key products, specialties, and OCOP products. At the same time, businesses are expanding digital amenities and smart consumption options to meet modern consumer trends and provide greater convenience for residents, particularly customers in urban areas.

Promoting the digital economy

Businesses and organizations in the city are increasingly prioritizing investment in and the application of science and technology and digital transformation to improve production and business efficiency, thereby contributing to the development of the local digital economy. At the same time, investment in and development of supply chains, transport corridors, and green logistics are identified as important drivers for enhancing the competitiveness and position of the local port and logistics services sector.

Nguyen Quoc Minh, Director of Co.opmart Dong Xoai Supermarket in Binh Phuoc Ward, said the supermarket is stepping up digital payments by integrating a wide range of e-wallets, applying contactless payment technology, and developing omnichannel retail. The focus is on improving the customer experience, ensuring data security, and promoting cashless payments, thereby boosting purchasing power and fostering digital consumption habits. Currently, revenue from cashless transactions accounts for about 55% of the supermarket's total revenue.

In particular, Dong Nai's e-commerce market continues to expand. The city has proactively implemented a range of programs and plans to promote the digital economy, including e-commerce development.

Nguyen Tan Phong, Vice Chairman and Head of the Southern Representative Office of the Vietnam E-commerce Association (VECOM), said Dong Nai is a bright spot in the E-commerce Business Index (EBI) Report 2026. The locality scored approximately 17.4 points, ranking sixth nationwide and marking the ninth consecutive year that Dong Nai has ranked among the top 10 localities in the EBI. For a locality traditionally known for its industrial strength, this ranking shows that businesses and residents in Dong Nai have become accustomed to the digital environment.

In the coming period, VECOM will continue to work alongside Dong Nai in implementing the Law on E-commerce, passed by the National Assembly in December 2025, and the National E-commerce Development Master Plan for the 2026-2030 period. At the same time, the association will continue to publish the annual EBI report to serve as a benchmark and a policy “roadmap” for e-commerce in each locality, including Dong Nai City. It will also strengthen digital human resource training and connect local businesses with trading floors, cross-border platforms, and logistics providers.

By Hai Quan – Translated by Minh Hong, Minho