Launched in 2014 with the goal of promoting online shopping, Online Friday has undergone more than a decade of development, gradually becoming an annual event with widespread influence in the Vietnamese e-commerce community.
In 2026, this journey enters a new phase as it aligns with National E-commerce Day on December 12th, opening up a broader space for participation, not only for shopping activities but also aiming towards developing a transparent, safe, and sustainable e-commerce ecosystem.
From online shopping festivals to nationwide e-commerce events.
In 2014, the Ministry of Industry and Trade assigned the Department of E-commerce and Information Technology (now the Department of E-commerce) to collaborate with the Vietnam E-commerce Association to organize the first Online Friday shopping day. The program was implemented on the first Friday of December, creating opportunities for businesses to promote their products, expand their markets, and help consumers access online promotions.
According to statistics, in its first year alone, the program attracted more than 1,000 businesses participating with 3,226 promotional and discounted products.
Over the years, Online Friday has continuously innovated in scale and organization. From online shopping activities, the program has gradually expanded to connect businesses, digital platforms, logistics companies, payment services, and localities; while also strengthening the promotion of Vietnamese goods and regional specialties, fostering smart consumption, and raising awareness about safe online shopping. In recent years, activities such as technology experiences, livestreaming, promoting genuine products, and combating counterfeit goods have also been emphasized.
This transformation shows that Online Friday is increasingly moving beyond the scope of a promotional event, becoming a connecting point for market participants, contributing to the genuine and sustainable development of e-commerce.
Why was December 12th chosen as National E-commerce Day?
A significant milestone in Vietnam's e-commerce development journey is the establishment of National E-commerce Day on December 12th. According to Article 3 of Government Decree No. 248/2026/ND-CP dated June 30, 2026, December 12th of each year is officially designated as National E-commerce Day.
Choosing a specific day to commemorate this event is significant given that e-commerce has become an increasingly essential component of the digital economy. It provides an opportunity to focus societal attention on the e-commerce sector; promote awareness and dissemination of laws and regulations, and train online shopping skills; and mobilize the participation of platforms, sellers, buyers, and relevant agencies and organizations.
Notably, Decree No. 248/2026/ND-CP, issued by the Government on June 30, 2026, does not limit activities to December 12th alone, but rather directs their implementation throughout the year. This shows that National E-commerce Day is not simply a promotional event, but aims to become a focal point for market development activities, enhancing business capacity, promoting technology application, and building a healthy online business environment.
December 12th therefore holds significance as an annual milestone for the community to reflect, connect, and promote new advancements in Vietnamese e-commerce.
Online Friday 2026 - Connecting a series of activities, spreading the spirit of National E-commerce Day.
In this context, Online Friday 2026 was organized as one of the prominent activities in response to the National E-commerce Day on December 12th and Vietnam E-commerce Week. The event continued to be chaired by the E-commerce Department - Ministry of Industry and Trade, in coordination with the Departments of Industry and Trade, the Vietnam E-commerce Association, TikTok Shop Vietnam, and Shopee Vietnam.
In 2026, the program will carry the message "E-commerce without boundaries," aiming to expand access to the digital market for all regions, business sizes, generations, and skill levels.
The program takes place during the week of December 10-16, 2026, with a special live event on December 10-11 at the Hanoi Museum. Online Friday 2026 brings together many practical activities such as: displaying and promoting Vietnamese goods and OCOP products; thematic seminars; direct consultation for businesses and households through E-commerce Clinic; live sales; connecting online and in-person shopping experiences (O2O). In particular, content on the application of artificial intelligence, digital payments, logistics, cross-border e-commerce, and legal compliance is included in the program to support businesses in improving their business capabilities.
Through this series of activities, the E-commerce Department continues to play its role as a central hub connecting management agencies, associations, platforms, businesses, and consumers; accompanying the community in disseminating knowledge, promoting the application of technology, and expanding business opportunities in the digital environment.
From Online Friday in 2014 to the National E-commerce Day on December 12th in 2026, there has been significant development in scale, content, and direction. While Online Friday laid the foundation for an online shopping festival in Vietnam, the National E-commerce Day opens up a broader framework for participation, bringing together social resources towards the goal of market development. In its leading and connecting role, the Department of E-commerce is contributing to making the spirit of December 12th a driving force for the inclusive, safe, and sustainable development of e-commerce in Vietnam.
