Chinese tourists can now use Alipay, an e-wallet from Ant International, to scan VietQRGlobal codes for payments at Napas member merchants across Vietnam. This network includes retail stores, restaurants, hotels, and tourist destinations.

Transactions are processed through the integrated infrastructure of Napas and Ant International, supported by Vietcombank's settlement system. This solution enables direct payment processing between Chinese yuan and Vietnamese dong.

Representatives from organizations participating in the announcement ceremony for expanding QR payment services between Vietnam and China. Photo: Nhu Trang.

For many years, China has been one of Vietnam's largest international tourist markets. This payment integration aims to provide Chinese visitors with a simpler, safer, and more convenient spending experience. The streamlined, easy-to-integrate payment process also enables local businesses to more effectively serve international customers, enhancing competitiveness and boosting trade and service activities.

Speaking at the event, Nguyen Quang Minh, General Director of Napas, stated that the company is progressively developing a cross-border payment platform. This platform adheres to international standards for safety, performance, and scalability.

"Our cooperation with Ant International marks a significant step in connecting Vietnam's national retail payment infrastructure with a payment ecosystem serving over 1 billion users in China", the General Director of Napas shared.

Nguyen Quang Minh, General Director of Napas, speaking. Photo: Nhu Trang.

Le Quang Vinh, General Director of Vietcombank, noted that cross-border QR payments are an emerging trend in international transactions. Vietcombank's involvement as the settlement bank ensures stable system operations while enhancing the payment experience for tourists.

Le Quang Vinh, General Director of Vietcombank, speaking at the event. Photo: Nhu Trang.

Meanwhile, Douglas Feagin, President of Ant International, remarked that the cooperation reflects a shared commitment to fostering the digital economy and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in Vietnam.

Feagin emphasized, "Tourism serves as a vital economic bridge between China and Vietnam. Strengthening payment connectivity will enable Vietnamese businesses to reach a global customer base and solidify Vietnam's position in its digital transformation journey".

Douglas Feagin, President of Ant International. Photo: Nhu Trang.

Looking ahead, Napas and Ant International plan to complete the reverse payment flow, allowing Vietnamese users to scan Alipay QR codes in China using their domestic banking apps. Once this two-way connection is fully established, the system is expected to further boost tourism and trade between the two nations.

Currently, Napas has already established bilateral QR payment connections with several markets, including Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and China. The company continues to expand cooperation with partners both within and outside the region, strengthening ties with banks, payment intermediaries, and domestic businesses to broaden the VietQRGlobal acceptance network.

Minh Ngoc