Development of Rural Trade Infrastructure

Recently, the synchronized development of rural trade infrastructure following modern standards has significantly served the production and consumption needs in the province, contributing importantly to the National Target Program for New Rural Development.

Localities in the province have flexibly integrated various funding sources to invest in the construction of new traditional markets and the upgrading and renovation of existing ones. At the same time, there has been a strong encouragement for businesses and individuals to invest in and develop modern retail systems in rural areas, including mini supermarkets, convenience stores, and self-service shops, to meet the growing consumption demands of the residents. Currently, 188 out of 196 communes in the province have achieved the criterion number 7 regarding rural trade infrastructure. The investment in essential trade infrastructure projects in accordance with the new rural development criteria has created momentum for socio-economic development in these communes.

Minh Luong is a mountainous commune located in Doan Hung District. In 2021, the Minh Luong market received partial funding from the Department of Industry and Trade to build a safe food market model. Mr. Nguyen Ngoc An, Chairman of the Commune People’s Committee, shared: “The commune received funding to establish a safe food market, which contributes to achieving the criteria for infrastructure and facilities in accordance with safe food standards and regulations. This transforms the traditional market into a civilized and modern operation. The market infrastructure has been invested in and upgraded, creating favorable conditions for local residents and those from surrounding communes to exchange and trade goods, meeting the rural trade infrastructure criteria within the National Target Program for New Rural Development.”

Alongside the traditional market model, many convenience stores, specialty shops, and retail chains are being increasingly developed in the centers of rural clusters and commune centers, with investments from private individuals or businesses. These stores attract a large number of customers interested in direct shopping. They are also equipped with modern technology and organize various marketing programs to introduce shopping trends.

The infrastructure of trade and services in rural areas is being invested in and upgraded, not only to meet the business and trading needs of the locals but also as a foundation for the comprehensive development of agriculture and rural areas. To continue upgrading rural trade infrastructure, the province encourages social investment in the development of markets, supermarkets, and specialty stores in a civilized and modern manner.

Nguyen Hue