Hanoi ranks second in the e-commerce index with a score of 84.3, according to the latest report from the Vietnam E-commerce Association.

A Hanoian makes an online shopping transaction. Photo: PVcombank

The report shows that Ho Chi Minh City continues to lead the ranking with 87 points. The southern province of Binh Duong came third, scoring 51.3.

The average score for this year's index is 23.1. The gap in e-commerce between the two largest economic centers, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and the rest of the country's provinces and cities is significant.

This year's report calls on organizations and businesses to reduce negative environmental impacts and contribute to the sustainable development of e-commerce, with a particular focus on the issue of plastic waste from e-commerce.

The Vietnam E-Business Index is compiled by the Vietnam E-commerce Association based on three components, including human resources and information technology infrastructure, business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce transactions, and business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce transactions.

The report also highlights the need to put in place policies and solutions to address three key issues: the digital divide, the digital workforce and the environment.

In addition, the report recommends that government agencies assess the current situation and formulate policies and laws to promote online export activities, educational technology and healthcare technology.

It invited local authorities to propose specific activities within their jurisdiction to promote each component of the overall index, thereby contributing to the development of e-commerce at the local level.