(VOVworld) – The trade cooperative program to connect supply and demand between Ho Chi Minh City and the eastern and southwestern provinces over the past 3 years has positively impacted supply resources and distribution networks. The program has gathered producers, farmers, and distributors to jointly find ways to ensure a qualified and stable supply for businesses in Ho Chi Minh City while expanding outlets for agricultural producers.

Participating in this year’s supply and demand connection program, Dong Thap has mainly offered specialties such as Chau Thanh longan, red-flesh blue dragons, sweet potato and seedless lemons.

A business participates in a fair to introduce its products and look for business opportunities at the meeting to review the program

More than 10,000 tons of longans, 5,000 tons of red-flesh blue dragons, and tons of sweet potatoes and lemons without seeds have been ready for sale in supermarkets and whole-sale markets in Ho Chi Minh City, to serve the upcoming traditional Tet holiday.

Phan Van Sum, deputy head of Chau Thanh district’s agriculture section, said: ‘Through these programs, we can introduce local products to supermarkets, Binh Dien whole sale market, and businesses in Ho Chi Minh City. The goal of participant provinces is to take their products to people all over the region.’

The trade cooperative program, the second this year, has engaged 360 enterprises in Ho Chi Minh City, eastern and southwestern region, and some in the north. Against the current outlet difficulties, the connection is important not only for cooperatives, farmers, but also for distributors and retailers.

Nguyen Minh Toai, Director of Can Tho’s Department of Industry and Trade, said linking provinces with Ho Chi Minh City’s businesses have helped goods in the region to be better distributed. Can Tho alone has more than 20 items, namely rice, aquaculture products, and fruits, available in supermarkets and whole-sale markets.

Mai Thi Anh Tuyet, Director of An Giang’s Department of Industry and Trade, said thanks to policies to increase economic support and trade cooperation among provinces and cities, An Giang has seen progress in specialty consumption, with more stable prices and quality. The department has also mediated for a number of enterprises to sign contracts with distributors in Ho Chi Minh City.

Tuyet added: “An Giang’s Department of Industry and Trade is implementing many cooperative programs with Ho Chi Minh City. This is a good opportunity for us to understand the requirements of Ho Chi Minh City’s market and the municipal distribution network in pattern criteria.”

About 70% of the agricultural produce which is consumed in Ho Chi Minh City is supplied by eastern and southwestern provinces.