Nguyen The Hiep, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade, discussed the department's efforts to foster consumer connections in an interview with Hanoimoi Newspaper.

What initiatives has the Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade launched to assist producers in marketing their products?

A local consumer visits a trade show booth. Photo: Hoai Nam/ The Hanoi Times

The department has implemented several measures to support producers in promoting and selling their products. Recently, in collaboration with the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee and other agencies, we have focused on addressing challenges faced by businesses while also recognizing those offering high-quality goods and services.

To connect Vietnamese goods with consumers, the department has organized various trade activities, including mobile sales, Vietnamese market fairs, and product showcases. These initiatives aim to boost trade promotion and facilitate access to products for consumers.

Notably, the department hosted the "Vietnamese Goods Loved by Consumers" fair to promote local products, providing a platform for businesses to display their offerings and engage with local consumers. This effort not only supports brand promotion but also includes a voting program for consumers to recognize their favorite Vietnamese goods.

How do these activities promote the "Vietnamese People Give Priority to Using Vietnamese Goods" campaign?

Nguyen The Hiep, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade

Hanoi is emerging as a frontrunner in promoting the "Vietnamese People Give Priority to Using Vietnamese Goods" campaign. Over the past 15 years, local government bodies and organizations have implemented comprehensive communication strategies to effectively engage the public, fostering a culture of consumption among Vietnamese consumers and in the capital.

We have organized numerous Vietnamese Goods Weeks across various districts, showcasing high-quality products with diverse designs. Consumers attending these events benefit from competitive pricing due to promotional offers, which help elevate the status of domestic goods in the marketplace.

Localities are ramping up efforts to support production, business, and consumption, aiming to stimulate demand and drive economic growth. This includes initiatives to promote agricultural products, local specialties, and handicrafts.

In 2024, the Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade plans to launch 73 programs and events, focusing on delivering quality goods to suburban areas to meet consumer needs. These initiatives not only enhance brand visibility for businesses but also strengthen trade connections, bringing Vietnamese products closer to residents and tourists throughout the city.

What standards must businesses meet for Vietnamese Goods Week participation?

Local consumers at the "Proud of Vietnamese Specialties" festival last month. Photo: Hanoimoi Newspaper

Businesses and production facilities looking to participate in the Vietnamese Goods Week must meet several key requirements. They are expected to provide a sufficient supply of high-quality products that have clear origins, reasonable pricing, and attractive promotions. 

Furthermore, all sales practices must comply with commercial standards and legal regulations, with a strict ban on counterfeit, imitation, or substandard goods to protect consumer rights and business interests.

What specific initiatives will the department implement to promote Vietnamese goods?

In a bid to stimulate consumption and increase the visibility of Vietnamese products, the Municipal Department of Industry and Trade has outlined a series of initiatives to be implemented before the year ends.

Continuing the momentum of the "Vietnamese People Give Priority to Using Vietnamese Goods" campaign, the department will host brand product fashion festivals, promotional weeks, and trade fairs designed to enhance consumer demand. 

These efforts aim to provide Vietnamese businesses with greater opportunities to showcase, promote, and sell their quality products, thereby strengthening their brand reputation and supporting the capital's economic growth.

However, the department emphasized that local businesses must also take proactive steps. This includes investing in innovation, improving product designs and advanced technologies, increasing labor productivity, and reducing costs while ensuring quality. 

Additionally, fostering collaboration to create a comprehensive supply chain - from production to distribution - will enable local producers to connect with consumers, allowing for greater awareness and trust in regional products.

Thank you for your time!