Strengthen economic links for Hanoi

Hưng’s Phú Quốc fish sauce manufacturing enterprise has eyed the Hanoi market for a long time. The 2015 International Agriculture Trade fair is a good chance for him to ỉntroduce his products to Hanoi’s residents.

"The transport charge is high when we ship our goods from Phú Quốc island to Hanoi city. Our products were produced under strict regulations and supervision. The qualified products must have a stamp on." - To Van Hung, Phuc Lam Company.

In fact, agricultural production has yet to meet the demand of Hanoi’s consumers, especially products with safety and high quality.

"Hanoi’s consumption demand is really high. Currently, 40% of meats and 50% of vegetables consumed in the Hanoi market are from other provinces." - Nguyen Huy Dang, Deputy Director, Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The event was recently held in Hanoi in order to promote the link between local products and the Hanoi market, and strengthen the production and consumption link between Hanoi and the rest of Vietnam. The event drew the participation of experts, local enterprises, and policy makers. All participants agreed on the importance of a general regulation to identify high – quality products.

"In order to enter Hanoi's market, local enterprises need to focus on the safety of the products. In addition, they should join trade promotion activities to connect with each other and heighten their competitiveness." - Vu Thi Hau, Deputy Director of Retail Chain Fivimart.

According to foreign experts, high quality products should not only be limited in Hanoi, but also brought to foreign markets through retail enterprises.

"In Vietnam, there are many unique fruits which are not grown in Japan, such as mango and star apple. I think the Japanese will be interested in these fruits if they are exported to Japan." - Naohisa Saeki, Senior General Manager, AEON Vietnam.

Vietnam’s agricultural products show high potential. However, in order to promote local products in wider markets, further efforts are needed from both producers and the government.