The forum was held as part of a series of events and activities to implement Decision 1162/QD-TTg, on commercial development in mountainous areas and islands for the 2021-2025 period.
Speaking at the opening of the forum, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Do Thang Hai, emphasised that after 5 years of implementation, the Commercial Development Programme in mountainous, remote areas and islands for the 2015-2020 period has brought about significant results.
Many regional specialities such as Son La mango, Ngoc Linh ginseng, Dak Lak wax butter, Sa Pa salmon, Phu Quoc sim fruit wine, etc. have opened their way to a reputable distribution system across the country and exported to foreign markets.
The diverse and continuous activities of the Programme have been effective in developing the policy system, promoting the production and consumption of goods, training and fostering human resources for enterprises, business households, and small traders, and strengthening the capacity of civil servants and officials of the province, district and commune on commercial development in mountainous, remote areas and islands.
At the same time, the Programme has made an important contribution to realising the common goal of narrowing the gap between regions, making positive contributions to socio-economic development, raising people's incomes, and ensuring national security and defence in mountainous, remote areas and islands.
In July 2021, the Prime Minister signed and promulgated Decision 1162/QD-TTg, approving the Commercial Development Programme in mountainous, remote areas and islands for the 2021-2025 period, with higher requirements and tasks to promote export, apply e-commerce, encourage firm participation in the integration process for mountainous areas and islands; creating a strong impetus to develop branded goods of this region into domestic and foreign distribution systems.