Many enterprises in Ho Chi Minh City are stepping up efforts to raise product quality and competitiveness in a bid to promote made-in-Vietnam goods.

The city has launched a campaign to encourage the use of high-quality Vietnamese products since 1996, said Nguyen Thi Hong, Vice Chairwomen of the municipal People’s Committee.

In response to the campaign, businesses in the locality have sought ways to renovate and modernise their production.

The Asia Bakery and Confectionary Company is one such firm, upgrading its production technologies and using nutrients extracted from apple peel and honey to make healthier cakes.

Similarly, Dien Quang Lamp JSC has also introduced more than 100 new products in a bid to offer safe, more energy efficient and environmentally friendly lighting appliances.

The campaign, titled “Vietnamese people using Vietnamese goods”, has reaped significant results, Hong said, noting that local garment, textiles and footwear producers have won favour with over 80 percent of consumers.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Ho Thi Kim Thoa said the fact that more than 2,000 businesses have been honoured with certifications of high-quality goods demonstrates their great endeavours in providing strong competition in a time of international economic integration.

Made-in-Vietnam products occupy up to 90 percent of shelves at major supermarket chains such as Co.opmart and Vinatexmart, the official said.

She added that Vietnamese goods have also gained a firm foothold in foreign markets, with export turnover reaching 132 billion USD last year.

According to Pham Phu Ngoc Trai, President of the Leading Business Club, Vietnam’s international economic integration has offered both opportunities and challenges.

Therefore, renovation has become a leading priority and a vital factor in businesses’ development strategies to sharpen their competitive edge, he said.

Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Quan said at a recent meeting in HCM City that the Government has ratified a technological development programme.

The ministry has also pledged to fully support businesses in the process, he said, adding that it is strongly encouraging them to establish technological research centres.-VNA