*Globalization was once seen as a “flat road” — a world without borders where every business could expand globally. But today, Vietnamese SMEs are navigating a trade labyrinth filled with invisible barriers — from complex tariffs to technical regulations and sustainability standards.

These aren’t just numbers or import licenses — they represent the true test of adaptability, cost management, and transparency. Understanding and addressing tariff and non-tariff barriers has become the prerequisite to “breaking through” and going global.**

When Tariffs Are No Longer the Only Barrier

The world has moved far beyond the era of tariff protectionism. Traditional measures like import-export taxes are now just the visible tip of a much larger iceberg — non-tariff barriers (NTBs) are the real challenge tightening around Vietnamese SMEs.

These barriers come in many forms: Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) (Nguyen, 2020), or even “green” trade restrictions — so-called Green Protectionism — which often disguise protectionist motives under the banner of sustainability (Truong, 2023).

Together, they form an invisible wall — unseen by many, but paid for by all.

When Costs Go Beyond the Invoice

As one SME owner put it, “We’re stuck in a financial system that wasn’t built for us.” This sentiment reflects not only limited access to capital but also the hidden costs businesses must bear in the journey of global integration.

From investing in compliant technology lines, hiring consultants, and securing international certifications to maintaining qualified teams — every step drains resources that SMEs can barely afford.

Logistics, too, remains a stubborn bottleneck. Logistics costs in Vietnam account for 16.8–17% of GDP, while the global average stands at 10.6% (Trung, 2024). Every customs delay or inspection adds storage costs, demurrage fees, and spoilage risks — especially for perishable goods.

At the financial level, cross-border payments — the lifeblood of international trade — are still a major pain point. A single international transaction can take 7–14 days to settle, incurring hidden fees and unfavorable exchange rates. When cash flow stalls, opportunities vanish.

When Technology and Compliance Become the Keys to Unlock Barriers

To overcome the “cost wall,” Vietnamese SMEs need a new approach — one that blends internal standardization, green transformation, and financial technology optimization.

First, a mindset shift is crucial: international standards are not obstacles but passports to global markets. Investing in quality management, clean technologies, and R&D lays the foundation for meeting global compliance — creating what Bao Long Insurance (2024) calls “licenses of trust.”

Meanwhile, green transformation is no longer a choice but an obligation. SMEs can start small — with energy efficiency, material recycling, or transparent supply-chain reporting. Once these capabilities take shape, they not only meet international requirements but also gain reputational advantages with partners and investors.

Yet, the real game-changer lies in financial digitalization — particularly in cross-border payments.

FinTech innovations are redefining how SMEs manage costs, accelerate cash flow, and mitigate risk. Modern cross-border payment platforms like FinFan, WorldFirst, or Payoneer now enable Vietnamese SMEs to complete global transactions within 1–2 days, with transparent fees and fair exchange rates.

Features such as multi-currency accounts, international payment collection, and API-first automation empower SMEs to streamline reconciliation, reduce manual workloads, and cut down operational costs.

More importantly, choosing licensed FinTech partners — regulated by the State Bank of Vietnam or backed by reputable international networks — ensures that the solution is not just fast, but also legal, safe, and compliant.

Going Further Together

No business can navigate the maze of global trade barriers alone. SMEs must leverage support ecosystems — from trade promotion agencies and industry associations to FinTech and logistics partners.

Organizations like the Ministry of Industry and Trade and VCCI play a crucial role in policy updates and legal support. Meanwhile, collaborating with pioneering FinTech platforms that possess global technology infrastructures can empower Vietnamese SMEs to go global — confidently and sustainably (VCCI, n.d.).

The “Global Business Pass” for Vietnamese SMEs

The battle against trade and tariff barriers is no longer about price competitiveness — it’s about compliance, adaptability, and digital readiness.

Vietnamese SMEs will only truly “go global” when they transform obstacles into opportunities — investing in technology, standardization, and cross-border financial solutions.

In the new era of trade, digital transformation — especially in finance and payments — is the “Global Business Pass” that empowers Vietnamese SMEs to break invisible walls and establish their mark on the world stage.