Traditional markets are still deserted
Recorded at traditional markets in Ho Chi Minh City such as Ba Chieu market, Tan Dinh market, An Dong market, Pham Van Hai market..., the general scene is that there are few shops with buyers. Although stalls are still selling all kinds of meat, fish, vegetables and clothes, many traders just sit and play on their phones or chat with each other.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Mai - a pork seller at Ba Chieu market - said: "In the past, it was crowded at around 7am, and there were only a few people at noon. Many days, I have not sold for 500,000 VND, except for electricity and water bills, and the remaining stall rental fee is not much.
This situation does not only happen in the food industry. clothing, footwear, and plastic products traders are also struggling because their revenue is decreasing.
Ms. Nguyen Ut - a trader at Pham Van Hai market - shared: "Previously, I was able to sell to 20-30 customers, now there are only 5-7 customers, which is a happy thing. Now everyone buys online, I sell here mainly to serve the elderly.
In Ho Chi Minh City, there is also a situation where many traditional markets have been invested with billions of dong but have not been effective, leading to a situation of abandonment or only operating at a low level. Typical examples are Tan Phu market and Phu Huu market (both in the old Thu Duc city).
Faced with this situation, the Department of Industry and Trade has recommended that the city review, dissolve or change the purpose of using ineffective markets. Currently, the two markets mentioned above have been included in the waiting list for clearance in the period of 2025 - 2030.
The Department of Industry and Trade continues to review the current status of the market network throughout the area, especially the newly merged area including Binh Duong and Ba Ria - Vung Tau (old), to complete the market development plan for the period 2025 - 2030.
Digital transformation of traditional markets
To overcome this situation, the Department of Industry and Trade of Ho Chi Minh City said that it is necessary to have solutions to expand and improve service quality to increase competitiveness for traditional markets. The People's Committees of localities can consider implementing solutions such as organizing promotional programs and incentives at specific times, while widely promoting to consumers. In addition, encourage market management organizations to act as media representatives and bridges in promoting the brand and activities of the market.
In addition, it is necessary to increase the application of technology to business activities at the market, especially the use of cashless payment methods, on-site delivery services through transportation units, as well as develop online sales channels so that consumers can easily search and order products at traditional markets.
At the same time, the work of checking the quality of goods and food safety also needs to be focused on. Specialized agencies need to closely coordinate with market management units in checking the origin, origin and quarantine of animals and animal products; monitoring the use of packaging in accordance with regulations; managing the quality of goods; checking price listings and selling at the right prices; ensuring fire prevention, fire fighting, security, order and environmental sanitation...
Ho Chi Minh City is also implementing parallel projects such as "Online Market", "Pilot Market to Ensure Food Safety", "Export of meat, eggs, poultry" and "Safe Food Chain" to bring traditional markets into a more controlled, transparent and sustainable commercial ecosystem.
