Starting from a ride-hailing app in 2014, Grab has continuously developed to become a multi-service super app with a comprehensive ecosystem, connecting services from transportation, dining, shopping, sending goods, payment, to financial solutions for partners.

Covering 50 provinces and cities, Grab brings access to digital services and improves the livelihoods of many Vietnamese people. This makes Mr. Alejandro Osorio, Managing Director of Grab Vietnam, proud when looking back on Grab's 10-year journey in Vietnam.

Pioneer in Vietnam's digital economy

After 10 years of entering the market of 100 million people, Grab has become an active factor promoting the digital transformation process in Vietnam.

“Grab is not the only one but it is definitely one of the important drivers to promote the digital economy,” said Mr. Alejandro Osorio.

Talking about the early days, this leader said that pioneering the establishment of digital services in Vietnam was not an easy journey. 10 years ago, many users and stakeholders were still worried about participating in digital services. The Grab team had to go to gas stations and cafes at 3-4 am to convince taxi drivers that joining the Grab platform could help them operate more efficiently and earn more income. Not to mention, convincing users to believe that booking a ride through the application would be safer and more convenient was also a challenge.

From those initial efforts and difficulties, Grab has helped digital services become closer and more accessible to more people, while creating more income for partners across the country.

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Photo: Grab

Not stopping there, Grab also pioneered in supporting partners to access financial services more easily, conveniently and quickly. Many Grab drivers for the first time had the opportunity to access financial tools and loans to shop and improve their lives, while merchant partners were able to borrow capital from banks to expand their business operations.

According to data from Grab, in 2023, the number of driver-partners and merchant-partners receiving loans from banks will triple compared to when the service was launched in 2020.

In addition, Grab also plays an important role in helping micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that are still operating “offline” to go digital. Grab brings them “online”, introduces tools to support store management and organizes many workshops, sharing how to optimize menus, how to use images to attract users, how to market… to develop businesses in the digital age. “This helps to narrow the digital divide and make technology accessible to all,” said Mr. Alejandro Osorio.

So that everyone can benefit from the digital economy

Mr. Alejandro Osorio said that Vietnam is still a potential market for development thanks to its young population, the speed of digital transformation and technological development. “These are advantages for platforms, including Grab, to accelerate their strategies to develop digital services on a larger scale,” said the CEO.

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Mr. Alejandro Osorio, Managing Director of Grab Vietnam

Grab has defined its vision for the future in Vietnam focusing on three main areas with the goal of continuing to actively contribute to Vietnam's socio-economic development according to its long-term strategy. Accordingly, Grab focuses on three main pillars: people, cities and innovation.

Firstly, Grab aims to serve more people in more ways and expand its portfolio to ensure that both users and partners benefit. At the same time, the company will promote digital literacy and digital skills training for partners and the community through public-private partnerships.

Second, Grab will become an important driving force for the inclusive development of cities. In support of the government’s public infrastructure development plans, Grab is committed to developing seamless mobility solutions, by partnering with urban authorities to operate first- and last-mile transportation, as well as enhancing environmental protection efforts through reforestation and plastic waste reduction projects.

Finally, the company is committed to continuing to pioneer technological innovation, keeping up with and understanding people’s daily lives to best meet their needs and drive innovation on a larger scale. At the same time, Grab also plans to expand its R&D capabilities in Vietnam to support the nurturing and development of Vietnamese tech talent.

“We have been in Vietnam for 10 years. I think this not only proves that Grab has a long-term commitment to Vietnam, but also demonstrates the determination of Grab employees in sustainable development, continuing to serve more people in many different ways. Grab is committed to a future where all Vietnamese people can benefit from the digital economy,” affirmed the Managing Director of Grab Vietnam.

Doan Phong