As the traditional market operating model has become outdated, Hanoi has been looking for solutions to renovate existing markets and build new ones.
French market management company Semmaris has offered a plan to build an internationally standardized agricultural wholesale and distribution center in Gia Lam District. Bertrand Ambroise, Head of the International Affairs Department at Semmaris, talks to The Hanoi Times about the project and what it can offer Hanoi.
| Hanoi people buy vegetables at a local wet market. Photo: Hoai Nam/The Hanoi Times |
What will the project bring to Hanoi?
I fully share the vision of the city of Hanoi. It is a game-changing vision through the implementation of a new generation wholesale market.
This wholesale market will bring a new food value chain at the scale of the city, integrate food safety, good sanitary conditions, a new way for the food distribution system, and it is the right solution and the right momentum.
Because of the multiple impacts of the pandemic, many countries and cities, like Hanoi, are deciding to implement this kind of agro-logistics infrastructure to provide new solutions for their citizens and customers and to bring healthy and quality food to the people.
What are the project's benefits and drawbacks?
The project has a perfect location in the north of the city. It's well connected with the key infrastructure, with nearby airports and different production regions.
The wholesale and distribution market will target the supply of agricultural products for Hanoi. For its strategic location, it will be a game changer.
In addition, some existing markets are in very poor quality of infrastructure, with problems in hygiene and sanitary conditions. The upcoming market will provide new-generation solutions and free up a lot of space in the middle of the city.
That's why we have all the conditions to develop a very important, game-changing infrastructure.
What are your suggestions for the implementation of the project?
My suggestion for the project is to accelerate it because the site has been chosen, the decision has been made, and the local authorities are deeply involved in the project.
We have to do it quickly. Semmaris and the French Embassy in Vietnam are fully ready to support and participate in the development.
If successful, I believe the project will change people's lives in Hanoi.
From your point of view, what support should the Hanoi authorities give the project?
I expect that the city will soon make a political decision to approve and validate the project, which is in line with Hanoi's urban development plan. We should also find solutions for the financing and management of the project.
We can provide solutions and support for this development. This project will certainly enhance the bilateral cooperation and friendship between Vietnam and France.
Thank you for your time!
Hanoi seeks international support for market restructuring On April 2, 2019, Semmaris and the Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade launched a study on the potential development of a new agricultural market that meets international standards. According to Semmaris, the project will cost about VND7.1 trillion (US$219 million). It will cover a total area of 100 hectares, consisting of a trading center and warehouse. The trading center will be divided into five sections for fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and fruit shipping. In May 2023, Semmaris and the Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade completed the project feasibility report, which has been submitted to the Hanoi Party Committee and the Hanoi People's Committee for review and feedback. According to Tran Thi Phuong Lan, Acting Director of Hanoi's Department of Industry and Trade, the capital city needs an internationally standardized wholesale market to ensure food safety for all people. The market development project will be included in the master plan for Hanoi's urban planning policy, which is expected to be discussed at the National Assembly in 2024. Hanoi currently has four wholesale markets, namely Long Bien, Yen So, Minh Khai, and the South Hanoi market. These markets are the main food supply terminals for the city of 8.5 million people. |
