Nghe An province has assigned communes and wards to manage all local markets.
The People's Committee of Nghe An province has just issued new regulations on the development and management of markets in the area, which strongly decentralize the management of all local markets to commune and ward authorities; determine the service fees for using sales points, organize the transformation of market operation models, and handle unauthorized business points.
The new regulations will take effect from June 5, 2026.
According to Decision No. 29/2026/QD-UBND dated May 25, 2026, the People's Committees of communes and wards are granted greater decentralization in state management of market operations within their areas, including markets of categories 1, 2, and 3. Commune-level authorities are responsible for reviewing and publishing market classifications; managing and deciding on the transfer of market infrastructure assets under their management.
The People's Committee at the commune level also has the right to decide on specific prices for services using sales space in markets invested with state capital, in accordance with the actual local situation; and to proactively allocate budget or propose to higher levels of government support for investment, upgrading, and maintenance of markets.
According to the new regulations, the rental and use of business premises in the market must be done through a contract between the trader and the market management organization. Service prices in the market are regulated by the Law on Prices.
For markets that are being rebuilt, renovated, or upgraded, the market management organization must prioritize allocating corresponding business spaces to traders who regularly operate in the old market. For new markets, localities are encouraged to apply a policy of prioritizing those who register first.
The regulations also specify the lease term for business premises in markets according to each model. For markets invested with non-budgetary capital, the lease term shall not exceed the remaining land lease period of the project. For markets invested by the State and directly managed by public service units or the People's Committee of the commune, each lease shall not exceed 5 years.
Notably, the Provincial People's Committee has assigned direct responsibility to the People's Committees of communes and wards for eliminating unauthorized business locations in their areas. Local authorities must develop specific plans and roadmaps; coordinate with the police and market management forces to handle violations; and provide support and suitable locations for people to conduct business in official markets.
The new regulations also standardize a seven-step process for transforming the business model and operating markets through auctioning leases or transferring the right to operate market infrastructure for a limited period. A market management model transformation committee will be established at the commune level, chaired by the Chairman of the People's Committee of the commune.
The Provincial People's Committee assigns the Department of Industry and Trade as the focal agency to advise on state management of markets; organize inspections, training, and direct market management forces to handle acts of smuggling, commercial fraud, and violations of food safety regulations in markets.
According to the decision, previously signed contracts for market operation and management will continue to be implemented until their expiration date and will be governed by the new regulations after their expiration.
