The trade and service sector strives for breakthroughs.

The trade and service sector is one of the three pillars contributing to the province's economic growth. In 2025, the trade and service sector is expected to continue its strong growth momentum thanks to the growth results in 2024 and the solid foundation of the distribution system, the impressive development of e-commerce, contributing to achieving the province's economic growth target of 10.5% or more in 2025.

Consumers select products at the 2025 Trade Union Lunar New Year Market.

Despite the overall economic challenges, the trade and service sector has maintained impressive momentum, becoming a bright spot in the province's overall economic picture. In the first quarter of 2025, the Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) at 2010 constant prices is estimated to reach VND 14,632 billion, an increase of 11.86%; the industrial production index increased by 23.25% (the highest increase since 2019); total retail sales of goods and services in the first quarter of 2025 reached VND 21,510 billion, an increase of 14.9% compared to the same period last year; total import and export turnover of goods reached USD 1,720 million, an increase of 81.5% compared to the same period last year. The trade balance of goods showed a surplus of USD 158 million... In particular, total retail sales of goods and services increased both in scale and speed compared to the same period last year and were the highest in the 2021-2025 period. The supply and demand of essential goods were ensured, and domestic purchasing and consumption were promoted, contributing to maintaining the growth of trade and services in the province. All sectors showed growth, with retail sales reaching VND 19,042 billion, accounting for 88.5% of the total and increasing by 14.4% compared to the same period last year; revenue from accommodation and food services was estimated at VND 1,353 billion, accounting for 6.3% of the total, an increase of 21.2% compared to the same period in 2024. The accommodation sector achieved VND 79 billion and 219,000 visitors, an increase of 15.5% in revenue and 13.7% in visitors; the food and beverage sector achieved VND 1,274 billion, an increase of 21.5%. Revenue from travel and tourism was estimated at VND 6 billion and 9,300 visitors, an increase of 24.6% in revenue and 15.3% in visitors. Revenue from other services is estimated at VND 1,109 billion, accounting for 5.2% of the total and increasing by 16.6% compared to the same period last year.

To achieve these positive results, the province has implemented a series of important solutions such as strengthening trade promotion, organizing supply-demand connection activities with provinces and cities nationwide, helping businesses expand their product markets. It has effectively implemented the "Vietnamese people prioritize using Vietnamese goods" campaign, bringing Vietnamese goods closer to consumers and supporting the sustainable development of domestic businesses; improving market management, strictly controlling supply and demand, severely punishing counterfeit, fake, and substandard goods, ensuring a healthy business environment; developing commercial infrastructure; and focusing on expanding the retail system in rural areas, helping people access quality goods more easily. In particular, the Department of Industry and Trade has actively worked with many large retail businesses to promote the consumption of agricultural products, fresh food, and specialty goods of the province, such as the GO! supermarket chain. Nam Dinh , Lan Chi Mart, Winmart... At the same time, the province advised the Provincial People's Committee to issue policies supporting production, business, and stimulating consumer demand, notably the National Concentrated Promotion Program 2024 - Vietnam Grand Sale 2024, the National E-commerce Week, and Vietnam Online Shopping Day - Online Friday 2024; and organized trade promotion delegations abroad... These policies not only help retail businesses in the province expand their scale but also create opportunities for locally produced goods to access international markets. In the first months of 2025, thanks to trade promotion programs, price stabilization, and consumer demand stimulation before and during the Lunar New Year of the Year of the Snake, and consumer rights protection, trade and service activities in the province continued to be vibrant. The increased demand for shopping and services among the people has contributed to the continuous double-digit growth of retail sales of goods and consumer services in the province compared to the same period in 2024.

The province's trade and service sector is projected to continue its growth momentum thanks to the stability of the economy and the sustainable development of commercial infrastructure. Furthermore, the digital transformation trend and the boom in e-commerce will create significant opportunities for the retail market to develop. In particular, the combination of traditional and online retail channels will be a key driver, enabling businesses to reach customers more effectively and enhance the shopping experience. Therefore, to support the trade and service sector in maintaining its growth momentum, the province continues to direct relevant agencies to implement industrial and commercial development plans... linked to the provincial plan and other specialized plans, meeting urban spatial planning and inter-regional infrastructure requirements. The trade and service sector will focus on implementing policies to support businesses, encourage investment in modern commercial infrastructure, expand distribution channels, and improve service quality. Simultaneously, promote the development of a multi-channel retail model, combining traditional and e-commerce, to meet the growing demands of consumers. Focus on strengthening trade promotion programs, market information, and stimulating consumer demand; promote the distribution of goods through digital platforms and e-commerce. Support and create favorable conditions for businesses to build and promote brands, seek and expand export markets, and sell products. Build and effectively implement linkages between production, processing, distribution, and consumption of products, coupled with effective market management, quality control, strict handling of commercial fraud and counterfeit goods, and protection of consumer rights. Simultaneously, focusing on attracting investment from large retail corporations and developing a modern logistics system and supply chain aims to create a solid foundation for the development of the trade and service sector in 2025 and beyond, providing a strong basis for the sector to strive for breakthroughs and contribute to the province's overall goal of achieving double-digit GRDP growth.

Text and photos: Nguyen Huong

Source: https://baonamdinh.vn/kinh-te/202504/nganh-thuong-mai-dich-vuno-luc-but-pha-c9b11d5/