From Vietnam to China -- a young student's e-commerce journey

From Vietnam to China -- a young student's e-commerce journey

  • 03.06.2025 05:47
  • globaltimes.cn
  • Keywords:

Nguyen Lan, a Vietnamese student in China, uses social media and AI to bridge e-commerce between Vietnam and China. She leverages her language skills and innovative tools like AI-generated scripts to enhance cross-border trade efficiency, aiming to bring more Vietnamese products to the Chinese market.

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Estimated market influence

Tianjin University

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Lan studies at Tianjin University, which has a mature and efficient e-commerce ecosystem.

Douyin

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Lan has over 6,000 followers on Douyin, helping Chinese people understand Vietnam.

Facebook

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Lan used Facebook to resell items for her classmates in high school.

Instagram

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Lan used Instagram to resell items for her classmates in high school.

TikTok

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Lan used TikTok to resell items for her classmates in high school.

Yiwu

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Merchants in Yiwu use AI technology to generate multilingual scripts for promotional videos.

Guangzhou

Guangzhou

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Vietnamese merchants travel to Guangzhou to purchase wholesale products for retail in Vietnam.

Context

Analysis of Nguyen Lan's E-commerce Journey: Business Insights and Market Implications

Key Facts and Data Points

  • Nguyen Lan's Background:
    • Young Vietnamese student from a business-oriented family.
    • Currently pursuing studies in China, leveraging her Chinese language skills and e-commerce expertise.
  • Social Media Influence:
    • Over 4,000 followers on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
    • Gained 6,000 followers on Douyin (TikTok), documenting the lives of Vietnamese students in China.
  • Trade Potential:
    • Cross-border e-commerce between Vietnam and China is growing rapidly.
    • Bilateral trade exceeded $200 billion for four consecutive years, reaching $260.65 billion in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 13.5%.
  • AI Integration:
    • Observed AI tools in Yiwu enabling quick creation of multilingual promotional videos for cross-border marketing.
    • AI is seen as a game-changer, lowering barriers and improving efficiency for small businesses.

Market Insights

  • Rising Cross-Border E-commerce:
    • Young Vietnamese entrepreneurs like Lan are leveraging social media platforms to bridge the gap between Vietnam and China.
    • The maturity of China's e-commerce ecosystem (efficient logistics, abundant products) is attracting foreign entrepreneurs.
  • Role of AI in E-commerce:
    • AI tools are transforming cross-border marketing by enabling quick, cost-effective content creation.
    • This technology is expected to drive further growth in global trade by making it more accessible for small businesses.

Competitive Dynamics

  • Intensifying Competition:
    • More Vietnamese sellers are entering the Chinese market, increasing competition.
    • Lan's decision to study in China highlights the need for deeper cultural understanding and advanced language skills to sustain long-term success.
  • Strategic Advantage:
    • Lan's bilingual capabilities and understanding of both markets give her a competitive edge.
    • Her use of AI tools sets her apart from traditional sellers, emphasizing innovation in operations.

Strategic Considerations

  • Opportunities for Vietnamese Entrepreneurs:
    • The growing trade relationship between China and Vietnam presents significant opportunities.
    • Focus on leveraging digital platforms and AI for efficient cross-border operations.
  • Cultural Exchange:
    • Content creation (e.g., food, landscapes) fosters cultural understanding and builds consumer trust.
    • Lan's Douyin videos highlight the importance of storytelling in e-commerce.

Long-Term Implications

  • Sustained Growth in Trade:
    • The strong economic ties between China and Vietnam are expected to continue, driven by increasing digitalization and AI adoption.
  • Global Trade Impact:
    • The integration of AI in cross-border e-commerce could lead to a more connected global market, reducing barriers for small businesses.
  • Regulatory and Policy Considerations:
    • Future growth may depend on favorable trade policies and regulatory frameworks supporting cross-border e-commerce.

Conclusion

Nguyen Lan's journey underscores the transformative potential of cross-border e-commerce, driven by innovation, cultural understanding, and strategic use of technology. The growing trade between China and Vietnam, coupled with advancements in AI, presents significant opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses alike.