Hanoi seminar to boost marketing of local products

The online seminar entitled "Fostering OCOP products sales through supermarkets", hosted by the Economic & Urban Newspaper today (August 26), seeks innovative ideas from delegates to help make these products available to a wider range of consumers in Hanoi and nationwide.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thanh Loi, Editor-in-Chief of the Economic & Urban Newspaper, speaks at the seminar. Photos: The Hanoi Times

In his opening remarks, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thanh Loi, Editor-in-Chief of the Economic & Urban Newspaper, emphasized the aim of the discussion, which was to improve communication for the "Vietnamese People Prioritise Using Vietnamese Goods" campaign. 

He stressed the need to build social consensus around this initiative so that citizens can better understand the policies of the Party and the government and the efforts of farmers and businesses in rural economic development.

According to Pham Anh Tuan, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, the city has been a pioneer in running the campaign. He added that over the past 15 years, various levels of government and organizations have focused on comprehensive information dissemination and effective marketing tactics. Over time, this has created a culture of consuming Vietnamese goods among the population, especially in the capital.

He said the city has launched numerous initiatives to increase the visibility of Vietnamese products among consumers, organizing regional cooperation and promotional activities to link supply and demand between Hanoi and other provinces. 

Efforts include introducing agricultural products, OCOP (One Commune One Product) items, seasonal goods, and developing a network of points of sale showcasing OCOP products linked to traditional handicraft tourism and rural tourism, the vice chairman added.

"These initiatives significantly stimulate domestic consumption, facilitate business operations and growth of Vietnamese enterprises, and further contribute to the development of the capital," he said. 

Through the campaign's activities, consumer interests are prioritized and businesses benefit from supportive city policies, gaining recognition and trust from a wide range of consumers, he underlined.

Pham Anh Tuan, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi Committee of the Vietnamese Fatherland Front, delivers his speech.

The Vice Chairman pointed out that there is still a lack of understanding about the campaign's relevance in the political system and among the populace in the capital. The effort has not yielded comprehensive results, and many Vietnamese products are unappealing in price, quality, and design. 

In addition, the proliferation of counterfeit and substandard goods has raised concerns and negatively impacted the lives of citizens and domestic businesses. Efforts to recognize and promote good practices under the campaign remain insufficient, he added.

According to the Vice Chairman, to build on past achievements, the city’s campaign steering committee is proactively developing and implementing a work plan for the year that aligns with the capital's political objectives. They will intensify the dissemination of information on the purpose and significance of the campaign to government agencies, social organizations, businesses and the general public to raise awareness and encourage participation.

Tuan suggested that working with the city's People's Committee will strengthen dialogue to address the challenges facing businesses. These efforts include implementing policies that encourage domestic production and consumption, while streamlining administrative procedures to support business development.

In addition, the committee will work with relevant authorities to organize activities aimed at stabilizing production, promoting products and developing distribution networks to stimulate domestic demand and support economic recovery in the capital.

"Efforts shouldalso be made to innovate and strengthen market management and inspection activities to ensure timely detection and severe punishment of those who abuse government incentives, trade in counterfeit goods or violate food safety standards," he recommended.

"Finally, the launch of the program will include new elements aimed at identifying quality products and encouraging companies to improve their offerings to meet consumer needs."

An overview of the event.