Digital tech sends Lai Chau’s mountain goods viral. (Photo: VOV)

“Livestreaming helps us sell more and reach more people. It’s more effective than just posting on Facebook,” said Mai Thi Duyen, a livestream seller of Lai Chau.

“With this method, I act as an intermediary between local producers and customers. It’s very effective. On a market day like this, the goods might be abundant in the morning, but by noon they’re sold out,” another seller Hang Thi Sua added.

Mai Thi Duyen and Hang Thi Sua of Lai Chau have several years of experience with livestream selling. Whenever they spot unique, high-value agricultural products like ginseng or wild bananas, they immediately promote and sell them online. Starting with just a few women, now a large team of livestream sellers at San Thang market has been established. For farmers like Tan U May of Pu Sam Cap commune, livestreaming has made selling much more effective.

Digital tech sends Lai Chau’s mountain goods viral (Photo: VOV)

“In the past, we couldn’t reach buyers in the lowlands. Even though our products were specialties, they were hard to sell. Now, thanks to online sales, it’s much easier. There are days when I can make hundreds of dollars just from selling ginseng,” said Tan U May.

To convince distant customers to place orders, the products featured in livestreams must always meet high standards of quality and safety, according to Giang Thi Mai.

Mai said: “I’ve been livestreaming Lai Chau ginseng for three years now. Every time I get a new batch, I post it online. I now have loyal customers because they trust the quality and authenticity of my products. Some even call me directly to place orders. This business provides enough income to support my family. It’s far better than farming rice or corn.”

Training in business skills, digital skills, branding, and online promotion has given ethnic minorities in Lai Chau’s highlands a new, more dynamic and effective livelihood. Livestreaming sessions are helping people sell their goods and making high-quality, authentic mountain specialties available to consumers all across Vietnam.