Signs of improvement
To cope with the overall difficult situation, from the beginning of the year, businesses in our province have strictly implemented price stabilization and promotional programs; focused on minimizing costs; reviewed business operations and distribution system structure; proactively secured supplies and diversified product lines to meet consumer needs. As a result, in the first six months of the year, trade and service activities in our province have shown significant improvement.
(Baonghean)To cope with the overall difficult situation, from the beginning of the year, businesses in our province have strictly implemented price stabilization and promotional programs; focused on minimizing costs; reviewed business operations and distribution system structure; proactively secured supplies and diversified product lines to meet consumer needs. As a result, in the first six months of the year, trade and service activities in our province have shown significant improvement.
Located right in the heart of Vinh City, the "Mobile World" store (on Minh Khai Street) is always bustling with customers due to its diverse range of products in various colors, styles, and brands. Mr. Hoang Van Hung, the store manager, said: "Understanding customer needs, we constantly improve our service quality and update our product range with a wide variety of models to meet diverse customer preferences. This year, many brands have released new product lines, along with attractive promotional programs, so sales remain stable. On average, the store sells over 10 mobile phones per day."
It can be said that, thanks to the synchronized demand-stimulating solutions implemented by both state management agencies and businesses, the retail market for goods and services in our province in the first six months of the year was vibrant and achieved good results. Total retail sales of goods and social service revenue in June were estimated at 3,802 billion VND. For the first six months of the year, total revenue from retail sales of goods and consumer services in the province reached over 24,265 billion VND, achieving 52.7% of the plan and increasing by 19.91% compared to the same period in 2012. Trade and service activities are developing positively; the quantity of goods displayed at price-stabilized stalls is always diverse and abundant, with no instances of hoarding, speculation, shortages, or sudden price increases.
Customers are selecting goods at BigC supermarket.
Contributing to the bright picture of trade and services is the tourism sector. In the first six months of 2013, tourism businesses implemented numerous promotional programs to attract tourists, diversified products, and improved service quality; invested in infrastructure development, built a safe, civilized, and friendly environment, and promptly implemented the Provincial People's Committee's plan to respond to the tourism stimulus program associated with promoting the development of service industries in 2013.
Mr. Nguyen Thanh Tung, Head of the Tourism Operations Department - Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said: Regarding tourism revenue, although some input costs such as fuel, electricity, and water tend to increase, due to the need to stimulate demand and attract tourists, many businesses are trying to maintain stable prices, even reducing prices during peak season. Specifically, travel activities with a total of 15,258 visitors reached 101% compared to the same period in 2012, with international visitors increasing by 65%, and travel revenue reaching 34.4 billion VND, reaching 105% compared to the same period in 2012. In addition, food and beverage services in tourist areas have grown significantly, especially in coastal areas, with estimated revenue reaching 105 billion VND.
State management in the past period has also been carried out quite strictly and effectively. The Department has strengthened guidance and inspection of the implementation of regulations, policies, and laws at tourism businesses in the area. Regular inspections and audits have contributed positively to individuals, organizations, and accommodation businesses, raising the awareness of compliance among tourism businesses in the area...
Assessing the business situation, Mr. Ho Xuan Dinh - Deputy Head of the General Planning Department of the Department of Industry and Trade, said: The stable commodity market is a positive sign, showing that trade and service activities in the province are being tightly controlled. To complete the tasks for the last six months of the year, the Department of Industry and Trade will continue to improve the effectiveness of market management and inspection and supervision of the quality of goods in circulation, closely monitoring the supply and demand and market prices of essential goods to take timely measures to regulate and prevent shortages and price spikes.
In addition, focus will be placed on trade promotion, prioritizing the implementation of various programs within the framework of the "Vietnamese People Prioritize Using Vietnamese Goods" campaign, such as organizing the "North Central Region Economic Exchange - Vinh 2013" fair; coordinating with businesses to organize four campaigns to bring Vietnamese goods to rural areas to stimulate consumption, boost product sales, and alleviate production difficulties. Furthermore, close coordination with the Department of Finance will be maintained in regulating supply and demand, and proactive market inspections and controls will be conducted in collaboration with relevant units to ensure healthy market operations.
Text and photos: Ngoc Anh
