Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - The combination of e-commerce and artificial intelligence (AI) will be an important tool to help start-ups optimise sales processes and improve the customer experience.

AI is not just a support tool, but also a key driver in optimising marketing strategies, analysing data and crafting effective advertising campaigns, said Vu Minh Ngoc, a representative of the Centre for E-commerce and Digital Technology (eComDX), at a recent seminar on e-commerce applications for young entrepreneurs.

This is especially crucial for new start-ups, as it helps them scale quickly and stay competitive in the market, he added.

E-commerce is no longer a new trend, but has become an important factor helping businesses develop and integrate into the global digital economy, said Ngoc.

Although there are no exact figures, the number of start-ups in the e-commerce sector in Vietnam is still quite low compared to the strong development potential of the industry, he noted.

The eComDX representative said that promoting and creating a favourable environment for young businesses in this field to develop is extremely necessary.

Only with the right support and sustainable development strategy can e-commerce become one of the important pillars of the digital economy, while contributing to creating a dynamic and healthy competitive market.

Ngoc said he believes that the current booming e-commerce market shows great potential, creating many opportunities for Vietnamese start-ups. Starting a business in the e-commerce sector is also in line with the Government's policy of promoting the development of the digital economy.

The legal framework for e-commerce activities is increasingly complete. Start-ups are encouraged through open policy mechanisms that foster favourable conditions for development and support from the national creative start-up ecosystem, he added.

On the other hand, the country's e-commerce market is still quite new compared to those around the globe, so there is still a lot of room for Vietnamese start-ups, Ngoc said.

Cao Qui Long, another eComDX representative, said that to maximise the power of AI tools, new start-ups need to have a clear and specific strategy for each work goal.

Whether it's building a brand, promoting products or improving the customer experience, AI tools can effectively support the optimisation of processes and creation of added value for businesses, said Long.

In e-commerce in particular, AI could help businesses automate many stages, from analysing market data or classifying customers to personalising marketing campaigns, he added.

Currently, platforms such as Shopee, Lazada or TikTok Shop provide start-ups with available AI tools, supporting the optimisation of products, prices and advertising campaigns, thereby improving competitiveness in the market.

Long also said that testing and adjusting the results given by AI is very important to ensure the highest efficiency.

AI tools cannot replace humans, but if used properly, they will open up unprecedented opportunities, he added.

"The ability of young entrepreneurs to grasp and apply AI tools effectively will determine their success in the digital economy," he emphasised.

Infrastructure issues such as payment systems, warehousing, transportation, packaging and customs procedures are still major obstacles that start-ups have to face, said Nguyen Huu Hung, deputy director of the Department of Industry and Trade of Quang Tri province.

However, the biggest challenge for start-ups is the lack of creative thinking and the ability to find differences, he said.

Success depends not only on product quality, but also on creativity in designing sales applications, advertising campaigns, marketing and customer care, emphasised Hung./.