In markets across Vietnam, a quiet revolution is underway. On August 22, 2025, shoppers at the bustling central market in Pho Moi town (Quế Võ ward) found themselves greeted not only by the familiar calls of vendors but also by a new layer of convenience: QR codes for cashless payments, even for the humblest of purchases like a bunch of greens or a single fish. According to a report by Bao Bac Ninh TV, every small trader in the market had prepared QR codes, signaling a determined shift toward digital transactions in the heart of traditional commerce.
"Now, customers who are too busy to come to the market can simply call me, and I deliver the goods directly to their homes," explained vendor Hà Thị Phượng as she paused to jot down an order during a busy morning. For her, and many like her, diversifying sales methods has become a matter of survival. "If we don’t adapt, it’s hard to keep customers these days."
This spirit of adaptability is echoed by Lê Hải Anh, a clothing trader at Nam Sơn market (Nam Sơn ward), who has taken her business online. "In recent years, fewer customers have come to the market, so I created Facebook and Zalo pages and joined online groups to advertise my products," she told Bao Bac Ninh TV. By regularly updating her social media with new items, competitive prices, and quality assurances, she has managed to maintain steady sales—even when storms keep shoppers at home.
It’s not just urban markets feeling the winds of change. In rural and highland communities like Sơn Động commune, the transformation is equally pronounced. At An Châu market, with over 200 stalls, most owners now boast bank accounts or QR codes, making online payment a breeze for customers. Home delivery services and frequent updates on new products are also becoming the norm, as traders race to meet evolving consumer expectations.
Shoppers themselves have noticed the difference. Vũ Thị Tấm, a resident of Sơn Động commune, recalls the old days of cash-only transactions and ambiguous pricing, which often left her uneasy about negotiating. "Now, from vegetable vendors to those selling clothes, shoes, and household goods, almost all stall owners have bank accounts or QR codes for easy payment," she said. "Prices are clearly listed, and most traders now offer customized shopping services with polite and civilized manners."
The modern makeover doesn’t stop at payments. Market management boards have reorganized stalls into clearly defined areas—clothing, fruit, fresh meat—and have stepped up waste collection and cleaning efforts. These changes, according to Bao Bac Ninh TV, have helped maintain a steady flow of visitors and sustained the vibrancy of market life.
Across the province, nearly 340 markets are actively serving small traders, producers, and local sellers. Most have proactively changed their business methods to keep pace with modern consumption trends. Younger traders, in particular, are embracing e-commerce platforms, social media marketing, and digital management tools. Market authorities and local officials are also doing their part, organizing training sessions and communication campaigns to encourage innovation, promote product traceability, and ensure orderly, safe operations.
Yet, challenges remain. As the report notes, some older traders are resistant to change or lack the technological know-how to fully embrace digital tools. Many markets still suffer from patchy infrastructure—spotty Wi-Fi, insufficient phone charging stations—which hinders the widespread adoption of new technologies. And, of course, a segment of shoppers still clings to cash, wary of unfamiliar payment methods.
Without synchronized and decisive solutions, experts warn, traditional markets could lose their relevance in the fast-evolving retail landscape. "In the coming period, the Department of Industry and Trade will continue to promote awareness and encourage the use of electronic payment methods and digital technology applications in marketing, sales, payment, and management," stated Mr. La Văn Nam, Deputy Director of the Department of Industry and Trade. "This is the only way for traditional markets to develop sustainably in the modern retail environment."
The push for digital transformation isn’t limited to local markets. Vietnam’s Tax sector is pursuing a parallel journey toward modernization, aiming to build a transparent, efficient system powered by Big Data and artificial intelligence. As of August 22, 2025, the sector had undertaken sweeping reforms to streamline its organizational structure and improve taxpayer services, according to a report by Tap Chi Toa An.
Mai Xuân Thành, Director of the Tax Department, highlighted the sector’s commitment to supporting taxpayers during this transition. "We have arranged staff support 24/7 to promptly address taxpayer difficulties during the digital transformation period," he said. The restructuring has been dramatic: from late 2024 to March 2025, management units at the central level were cut from 17 to 12, 63 provincial tax departments were consolidated into 20 regional sub-departments, and 413 district tax units became 350 teams—eliminating 2,886 tax teams overall.
The process continued with the implementation of Resolution 60-NQ/TW by the Central Executive Committee and Decision 2229/QĐ-BTC from the Ministry of Finance, effective July 1, 2025. This realignment brought the tax system into sync with Vietnam’s new two-level local government model, resulting in 34 provincial tax departments and 350 grassroots tax units—a massive reduction from over 4,000 management units to just over 700.
Looking ahead, the Tax sector plans to drive forward its 2021-2030 Tax System Development Strategy, with a focus on building an electronic tax platform and enhancing management in the context of a digital economy and international integration. "Digital transformation is an essential trend, especially as the number of managers increases and the organizational structure is streamlined," Director Mai Xuân Thành emphasized. The sector is doubling down on reforms, modernization, and the application of Big Data, AI, and Machine Learning to meet the demands of economic development. Other priorities include combating tax fraud and evasion, simplifying administrative procedures, and ensuring accurate, complete revenue collection.
Efforts to measure and improve taxpayer satisfaction have also taken center stage. In July 2025, the Tax Department launched a program to survey taxpayer satisfaction with its support and administrative services. Preliminary results as of August 5, 2025, were striking: 1,453 ratings for support and management yielded a satisfaction rate of 96%, with 88% "very satisfied." Administrative procedure handling scored 95% satisfaction, and tax inspection services received 96% satisfaction, with 90% "very satisfied."
These numbers, as reported by Tap Chi Toa An, suggest that the reforms are bearing fruit, enhancing the sector’s image as modern, transparent, and effective. "The transformation of the Tax sector today is the result of countless efforts, intelligence, and even silent sacrifices," Director Mai Xuân Thành reflected. "But above all, it is the spirit of solidarity and consensus among every official and employee—those who always put the common interest first. From here, a new chapter opens—a chapter of strong innovation and the aspiration to reach further, continuing the proud tradition of Vietnam’s Tax sector."
As Vietnam’s markets and tax authorities embrace digital transformation, the country stands at a crossroads between tradition and innovation. The coming years will test whether these bold changes can bridge the old and the new, safeguarding the vibrancy of local commerce while propelling the nation’s institutions into a digital future.