Underpinning Cooperation in Modern Retail System Development

Mr. Tran Huu Linh, Director of the Agency for Domestic Market Surveillance and Development under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, recently held a working meeting in Hanoi with Mr. Olivier Langlet, CEO of Central Retail Vietnam, to discuss strategies for developing a modern retail distribution network, aiming to foster domestic consumption and enhance the competitiveness of Vietnamese products.

Mr. Tran Huu Linh, Director of DMS at the working session with Mr. Olivier Langlet, CEO of Central Retail Vietnam

At the meeting, Mr. Tran Huu Linh underlined the importance of the domestic market amid global economic uncertainties, particularly when the United States is likely to consider imposing high tariffs on certain Vietnamese exports. Developing the domestic market is not only a long-term strategic goal, but also an effective buffer against external risks.

The Government and the Ministry of Industry and Trade are actively carrying out many stimulus programs and promoting the development of a modern commercial infrastructure with a consumer-centric approach, he said. However, he also frankly acknowledged that, to boost domestic consumption, it is critical to ensure income stability, product quality and reasonable pricing. “Developing the domestic market is a complex equation with many variables. It requires close coordination between the government and the business community,” he emphasized.

Investing in modern retail infrastructure, particularly advanced retail models, will be an important momentum to boost consumer spending and improve access to Vietnamese goods, especially in rural and remote areas.

Mr. Olivier Langlet said Central Retail strongly agreed with Vietnam’s domestic market development directions. He pledged that his company will continue expanding investment, upgrading supply chain quality, strengthening workforce training, and integrating modern technologies throughout the distribution process. One of the core priorities of Central Retail is enhancing the consumption of Vietnamese goods, particularly agricultural produce and local specialties.

“We not only see Vietnam as a strategic investment market but also a long-term partner in building a modern, efficient, and sustainable retail ecosystem,” he stressed.

Director Tran Huu Linh praised Central Retail’s ongoing efforts in connecting domestic products with consumers. He suggested Central Vietnam continue collaborating with localities, especially in remote and underserved regions, to expand the output market for Vietnamese goods, thereby amplifying value across the entire domestic production-distribution-consumption value chain.

By Le Hien, Vietnam Business Forum