Nghe An: Boosting the development of commercial infrastructure.

(Baonghean.vn) - On the morning of October 4th, Mr. Le Xuan Dai – Member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee – chaired a meeting to hear and give opinions on the Draft "Project for the Development of Commercial Infrastructure in Nghe An Province in the period 2016 – 2020".

Representatives from relevant departments, agencies, and units attended the meeting.

According to the Department of Industry and Trade's report, commercial infrastructure in the province has been developed significantly in recent years, contributing to a continuous increase in total retail sales over many years (from over 16 trillion VND in 2010 to 48 trillion VND in 2015).

The development of commercial infrastructure has boosted the consumption of goods produced both within and outside the province. The operating methods, technology, management, and business operations of various types of commercial infrastructure are increasingly developing in a civilized and modern direction.

» Planning of industrial and commercial projects along the Ho Chi Minh Highway

Ms. Vo Thi An, Deputy Director of the Department of Industry and Trade, presented the draft plan "Development of commercial infrastructure in Nghe An province during the period 2016-2020".

Specifically, the market network has been upgraded, renovated, and newly built, with 397 local markets currently operating throughout the province, meeting the needs of goods circulation. The system of 42 supermarkets and 4 shopping malls has contributed to the formation of a modern urban spatial structure. The supply of goods to the supermarket and shopping mall network has improved in terms of scale, structure, variety, and quality. Foreign distributors have entered the supermarket and shopping mall system, contributing to the standardization of standards in terms of form and content of business operations.

The petroleum distribution system and filling facilities are largely invested in according to standards and operate efficiently. The system of general, specialized, and self-service stores has formed and developed quite rapidly, serving the ever-increasing consumer demand…

In addition, e-commerce platforms have contributed to providing information and supporting businesses in promoting their products, understanding customers, and expanding their markets; thereby significantly increasing revenue and the number of products sold.

Speaking at the meeting, Comrade Le Xuan Dai suggested that the Department of Industry and Trade should clarify the current situation and solutions for developing each type of commercial infrastructure.

However, overall, the scale of commercial infrastructure remains limited, with traditional and outdated business practices, and many temporary and makeshift markets still exist. Modern business models such as supermarkets and shopping malls are few and mostly do not meet standards; some modern trading models have not yet been developed. The technical infrastructure of some facilities within the commercial infrastructure system does not meet requirements. The distribution of the commercial infrastructure system is still irrational and unbalanced, with development concentrated mainly in urban areas…

The future development orientation for Nghe An's commercial infrastructure is to diversify the types and structures of commercial infrastructure, harmoniously combining traditional and modern commerce; in accordance with the nature and level of market development in each locality. Specifically, the focus will be on solutions related to: planning, policy mechanisms, attracting investment, applying science and technology, developing businesses to participate in the commercial infrastructure system; and innovating and improving the efficiency of state management of commercial infrastructure…

The development of supermarkets and shopping malls in the province has contributed to improvements in the scale, structure, variety, and quality of goods.

At the meeting, representatives from various departments and agencies focused on providing feedback on the draft plan's contents, including: adjusting the planning of gasoline and oil retail outlets to ensure proper connection with national highways; reviewing and planning a more rational market system; assessing infrastructure and development orientation for e-commerce; reconsidering state budget funding for the development of commercial infrastructure in the area until 2020; and evaluating the transformation of market development models…

Overview of the working session

Concluding the meeting, Comrade Le Xuan Dai suggested that the Department of Industry and Trade should assess each type of commercial infrastructure; focusing more specifically on the current situation and solutions for e-commerce infrastructure in the province. The agency in charge of the project should incorporate the opinions of the departments and agencies to finalize solutions for developing commercial infrastructure from now until 2020. In particular, it is necessary to prioritize investment resources and create a legal framework and favorable conditions for businesses to invest in developing commercial infrastructure in the coming period.

Dinh Nguyet