(Photo: VOV)

The Saigon Food Joint Stock Company has increased its supply 15-30%. Mr. Nguyen Thanh Cao, Saigon Food’s Marketing Director, said: "Saigon Food has automated its production to reduce production costs and avoid raising its prices. The company has started promotions, offering free samples, buy-one-get-one-free deals, and discounts of up to 50%."

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Thang, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Trading Cooperatives (Saigon Co.op), says that, to ensure an abundant supply and stable prices for the Lunar New Year, the company is coordinating with suppliers to prepare goods 3 to 6 months in advance.

This year the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade began its Supply-Demand Connection Program earlier than usual and expanded it to 700 businesses in 45 provinces and cities. Mr. Nguyen Nguyen Phuong, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade, said:

"The annual Supply-Demand Connection Program is usually held in October or November, but this year the Department of Industry and Trade held it in September. During the program, Ho Chi Minh City’s distribution systems can search for new products, survey the market, and negotiate with manufacturers to bring goods to the supermarkets during the Lunar New Year."