Night economy in Vinh city - some initial thoughts

Night-time economy (NTE) is not a new form of activity in the world and even in Vietnam. In many big cities, it has existed for a long time and is quite developed such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang...

Right in Vinh City, there is also a night food market on Dao Tan Street that has been operating for a long time, originally serving athletes around the old Department of Physical Education and Sports and people in the surrounding area. And I still remember when I lived in the Thanh Tra Collective Area, because it was close to the main road, almost every night, around 11 pm, regardless of the hot summer or the cold winter, I would hear the call "Who wants banh gai?" from a street vendor. Many times, even though I wasn't hungry, I still got out of bed to buy some for her... That's NTE.

Cao Thang night street sparkles on opening day. Photo: Thanh Cuong

The role of the night economy is quite clear in the field of trade and services, creating better conditions to meet the increasing and increasingly diverse needs of consumers and also has a role in stimulating demand (like my story above). Especially in places where tourism is identified as a pillar of socio-economic development, NTE needs more attention from the government, businesses, and small traders...

Vinh City has just officially opened a night street on Cao Thang Street, in front of Vinh Market, connecting Quang Trung - Tran Phu intersection to Hong Son Street. This is a correct policy. However, in order to promote positive factors, limit and eliminate negative factors, the City People's Committee should note:

Small traders doing business at Cao Thang night street. Photo: Archive

- Issue mechanisms and policies to manage, support and control NTE activities in general and Cao Thang night street in particular;

- Strengthening the work of ensuring food safety and hygiene, on-site food processing, quality of goods and services...;

Night streets must ensure safety for people walking around. Photo: Lam Tung

- Ensure absolute security and safety for customers and tourists, resolutely not allowing theft, robbery, or overcharging of tourists, not giving criminals a chance to operate...;

- Ensure cleanliness and environmental friendliness; promote cultural lifestyle in public places;

Lion dancing, stilt walking, and unicycle riding by circus performers attract many people at Cao Thang night street. Photo: Lam Tung

- Encourage the development of diversity and uniqueness in the provision of goods and services in NTE, from food and beverage products, consumer goods to cultural activities, art performances, harmoniously and smoothly combining walking space, health training with food and beverage business, other goods and services...;

- Ensure synchronization between commercial development and tourism and culture (in terms of infrastructure: streets, restaurants, hotels, entertainment venues as well as mechanisms and policies to attract more people and retain tourists longer)...