HCM aims to promote retail sector as key economic contributor
The retail sector plays a core role in Ho Chi Minh City’s economic growth, heard a workshop held recently by the municipal Department of Industry and Trade to discuss building a list of key trade and service products.
Saigon Co.op supermarket system in HCM City (Source: VNA)HCM City (VNA) – The retail sector plays a core role in Ho Chi Minh City’s economic growth, heard a workshop held recently by the municipal Department of Industry and Trade to discuss building a list of key trade and service products.
Experts said the service sector significantly contributed to the economic growth of the nation and HCM City in particular, adding that wholesale and retail trade is now the largest part of the service sector.
According to Deputy Director of the department Nguyen Phuong Dong, the trade and service field is a dynamic and high growth sector, making up 63.2 percent of the city's GRDP, with annual average growth of 8.15 percent.
The city’s retail sector has been developing in the trend of developing countries in the region and across the world, he said.
Vietnam’s retail market has considerable potential, with the rate of modern retail distribution channels making up only 25 percent of the total retail sales, and most supermarkets and trade centres are concentrated in big cities.
It is forecasted that by 2020, the rate of modern retail channels will increase to 45 percent. The country will have about 1,200 - 1,300 supermarkets, while the number of trade centres will also increase to more than 300 and there could be tens of thousands of convenience stores.
Representatives from the Saigon Union of Trading Co-operatives (SAIGON CO.OP) underlined the need to promote the development of modern retail sector by using modern technologies and e-commerce.
They said State agencies should pay attention to issues related to laws on market opening and investment commitments and support the domestic retail sector in the context that measures to protect domestic retailers from foreign investors are being reduced due to free trade agreements.
Domestic retailers should be also supported in accessing preferential capital and renting land, which will help them better compete with foreign firms.
HCM City can attract investment from Hong Kong (China) and China as the countries are seeking to move their trade centres to neighbouring areas due to the ongoing US-China trade war.
Nguyen Phuc Khoa, Deputy General Director of Sai Gon Trading Company Limited (Satra), highlighted the importance of making the modern retail sector a key product of HCM City.
He also stressed the need to foster development of logistics supply chain for the sector as it is one of the biggest magnets to foreign investment, which contributes to creating differences in trade activities of the city.
There are currently 3,000 businesses capable of providing full logistics services and hundreds of thousands of others providing part of this kind of services, he said.
Participants suggested municipal authorities increase investment to build logistics centres, noting that this will help the city improve its competitiveness.-VNA
You should also see
April 30 Victory – Glorious milestone in national history
The Liberation of the South Day (April 30) is an occasion of great significance for all Vietnamese people. Every year, on this day, when national flags colour streets and every corner with red, the whole country recalls memories of the day to show their gratitude to older generations who devoted their lives for national freedom and independence.
See more
Business
Kien Giang prioritising agricultural production towards resilience
The Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang is among localities significantly impacted by climate change, particularly drought and saltwater intrusion. In response to these pressing issues, it has prioritised agricultural production with a focus on resilience, developing various production models tailored to its circumstances.
Business
Vietnamese, Chinese, Lao localities promote tourism cooperation
More than 150 representatives from domestic tourism businesses and firms from China’s Yunnan province and Laos’ Vientiane city have shared experience and proposed measures to boost cooperation at a conference held in Sa Pa resort town, the northern province of Lao Cai.
Videos
Businesses bullish on Q2 outlook: GSO
Processing and manufacturing enterprises have forecast better performance in Quarter 2 despite global headwinds posed by conflicts and high production costs, according to a survey by the General Statistics Office of Vietnam.
Business
Four-month public investment disbursement reaches 14.66% of target
The disbursement of public investment in the first four months of this year was estimated to meet 14.66% of the set target and 15.65% of the plan assigned by the Prime Minister, according to the Ministry of Finance.
Business
Vietnam secures remarkable economic successes since national reunification
Since the national reunification on April 30, 1975, Vietnam has obtained admirable economic achievements and is now on its way to become the 20th largest economy in the world.
