Survey data in recent years shows that the percentage of people using Vietnamese products has increased significantly. If in 2018, 72.66% of consumers chose domestic products, by 2022 this rate had increased to 85.06%.
In both domestic and foreign supermarket systems, as well as in other distribution channels such as markets and convenience stores, Vietnamese products account for over 80%. This shows that people are increasingly trusting and actively accessing and using Vietnamese products.
SAY NO TO QUALITY VIOLATIONS
On March 8, 2024, the Steering Committee for the “Vietnamese People Prioritize Using Vietnamese Products” campaign in Ho Chi Minh City organized a conference on “Connecting to Build Sustainable Supply Chains and Improve the Quality of Vietnamese Products”.
Ms. Tran Kim Yen, Chairwoman of the Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee and Deputy Head of the Steering Committee for the Vietnamese People Prioritize Using Vietnamese Products campaign in Ho Chi Minh City, said that in the first two months of 2024, Ho Chi Minh City’s economy continued to recover, with positive signs such as a 4.3% increase in the industrial production index (IIP) and an 11.6% increase in exports.
Furthermore, the total retail sales of goods and services increased by 14.8%… of which, the Vietnamese People Prioritize Using Vietnamese Products campaign continues to focus on changing awareness and behavior to prioritize the use of Vietnamese products; it has empowered Vietnamese businesses to build a Vietnamese production and consumption culture.
“This campaign has been associated with many socio-economic development programs in the city, creating a great ripple effect, thereby contributing to the improvement of the competitiveness of Vietnamese products, harnessing internal strength, and actively contributing to the overall development of the city’s economy,” said Ms. Yen.
Ms. Yen noted that many distribution systems now see quality control and ensuring the quality of goods as a matter of survival. This is a very encouraging factor and a necessary condition for the Steering Committee to develop a Quality Control Cooperation Program and establish a code of conduct for suppliers, along with joint actions and a firm stance against suppliers who violate quality standards. From there, comprehensive warning programs and well-directed development of supply chains will be developed, which are healthy, safe, and responsible.
According to Mr. Nguyen Nguyen Phuong, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade, in addition to the high-quality Vietnamese products that are exported to many countries, there are still many individuals and organizations producing poor-quality goods and deceiving consumers.
“Occasionally, we still encounter problems with domestic goods. Occasionally, there are articles reporting on dirty food and vegetables. Just imagine, what if we or our children consume those goods?” Mr. Phuong raised the issue.
Mr. Phuong believes that strict measures are needed to enhance the responsibility of suppliers. The agreements between suppliers will play a role in ensuring transparency in production and gradually expand the model.
FOR VIETNAMESE PEOPLE TO LOVE VIETNAMESE PRODUCTS
The slogan “Vietnamese products conquering Vietnamese people” is entirely in line with the interests of businesses that conduct genuine trade, have long-term vision, and take responsibility.
Therefore, a key solution that the Steering Committee is highly concerned about is to build a truly sustainable supply chain of Vietnamese products in a modern, transparent, safe, and efficient manner. Businesses participating in this program must have transparency and responsibility; they must produce and distribute honestly.
Mr. Nguyen Ho Hai, Member of the Standing Committee of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, Head of the Steering Committee for the Vietnamese People Prioritize Using Vietnamese Products campaign, stated that the Quality Control Cooperation Program must be fully implemented. Distribution systems and supply businesses must voluntarily participate in the program, but they must strictly adhere to their commitments.
Among them, the six leading distribution systems: Saigon Co.op, Satra, Bach Hoa Xanh, AEON, Central Retail, and MM Mega Market, as bridges between consumers and producers, must demonstrate pioneering spirit, leading the construction of a sustainable Vietnamese supply chain.
In addition, Mr. Hai emphasized the need to enhance communication efforts to help consumers understand the program and prioritize using products that have been proactively quality controlled by these six leading distribution systems.
For manufacturers, Mr. Hai called for further enhancement of their role and responsibility in quality control of products, ensuring supply, protecting the environment, and contributing to building brand value for Vietnamese businesses towards sustainable development.
During the conference, three agreements were signed: an agreement to implement the Quality Control Cooperation Program between the six leading distribution systems, including Saigon Co.op, Satra, AEON, Central Retail, MM Mega Market, and Bach Hoa Xanh.
The agreement to purchase products from suppliers who voluntarily participate in the Quality Control Cooperation Program.
To stabilize the market and increase purchasing power, MM Market continues its Price Stabilization programs to combat inflation for essential products such as cosmetics and dry food, wholesale prices for fresh food; Buy more, enjoy more for essential products such as cooking oil, sugar, seasoning, MSG, rice, noodles, coffee, tea, cakes… Up to 40% off for green products including kitchen utensils made from bagasse, paper, cornstarch (such as cups, spoons, forks, knives, etc.).
An agreement on cooperation between the Department of Industry and Trade and the Department of Information and Communications regarding the implementation of e-commerce development solutions to support Vietnamese businesses in developing online sales channels and conducting online sales training in traditional markets.
In addition, Saigon Co.op also signed agreements with six businesses and cooperatives: Anh Hoang Thy, San Ha (supplying livestock and poultry meat); Nhuận Đức Safe Vegetable Production Cooperative, MeKong Delta Food Company, Xuân Thái Thịnh Company (supplying vegetables and fruits); Tan My Cooperative (supplying fruits). Currently, these partners supply an average of 500 tons of goods per month to Saigon Co.op’s distribution systems.
This cooperation aims to connect and support the development of the market for domestically produced goods, to make outstanding products of Ho Chi Minh City compete with imported goods, and to orient towards exports.
