Once fully operational in both directions, the system will establish a comprehensive cross-border QR payment ecosystem, boosting tourism, trade, and consumer spending between the two countries.

The bilateral QR-code retail payment connectivity between
Vietnam and China was officially launched in Hanoi on December 2, offering a
faster, safer, and more convenient payment solution while helping Vietnamese
businesses better serve one of their largest visitor markets.

The launch ceremony was jointly organised by the National
Payment Corporation of Vietnam (NAPAS), UnionPay International (UPI) of China,
the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), and the Joint Stock
Commercial Bank for Foreign Trade of Vietnam (Vietcombank).

The new service comes after more than a year of technical
coordination following the MoU signed between UPI and NAPAS in October 2024,
witnessed by senior leaders of both countries.

With the system now in place, Chinese visitors to Vietnam
can use their existing mobile payment apps to scan VIETQR Global codes and make
direct payments at shopping, dining, and tourist destinations nationwide.

Major retailers and service providers—including Central
Retail supermarkets, Highlands Coffee, and Sun World tourist sites—have already
enabled QR acceptance for Chinese travellers.

Under the plan, by early 2026, the reverse payment direction
will also be deployed, allowing Vietnamese travellers to use mobile banking
apps from NAPAS member banks to scan QR codes for payment in China.

Once fully operational in both directions, the system will establish a comprehensive cross-border QR payment ecosystem, boosting tourism, trade, and consumer spending between the two countries.

VnEconomy-Hoàng Lan