Developing domestic trade: The driving force for sustainable growth

(Chinhphu.vn) - Mr. Bui Nguyen Anh Tuan, Deputy Director of the Department of Domestic Market Management and Development (Ministry of Industry and Trade), emphasized that in the context of many uncertainties in the world, domestic demand is the "support" that helps the Vietnamese economy maintain growth momentum, ensure social security and strengthen consumer confidence.

Mr. Bui Nguyen Anh Tuan, Deputy Director of the Department of Domestic Market Management and Development: The domestic market is the pillar of macroeconomic stability and sustainable development - Photo: DMS

Within the framework of the 2025 Autumn Fair, on the afternoon of October 28, the Department of Domestic Market Management and Development ( Ministry of Industry and Trade ) organized the Forum on Domestic Trade Development Policy in 2025.

In his opening speech, Mr. Bui Nguyen Anh Tuan, Deputy Director of the Department of Domestic Market Management and Development, emphasized that the domestic market is the pillar of macroeconomic stability and sustainable development. In the context of many uncertainties in the world, domestic demand is the "support" that helps the Vietnamese economy maintain growth momentum, ensure social security and strengthen consumer confidence.

According to Mr. Tuan, fully aware of this role, the Party, the National Assembly and the Government have issued many fundamental resolutions, especially the "quad resolutions" including Resolutions 57, 59, 66 and 68, creating a legal corridor for domestic market development, promoting innovation, international integration, improving the law and developing the private economy.

Mr. Bui Nguyen Anh Tuan said that domestic trade should be seen not only as a space for goods circulation but also as an endogenous driving force of the economy. From that, the Ministry of Industry and Trade identified four strategic directions.

Firstly, developing green trade and logistics infrastructure. The Department of Domestic Market Management and Development is coordinating with localities to upgrade traditional markets in a civilized and modern direction, while still preserving cultural values. The "smart market" model applying digital technology will help make product information transparent, connect sellers and buyers, and expand the consumption of Vietnamese goods to remote areas. In parallel, investment is being made in logistics centers, green warehouses, and modern distribution systems, ensuring an efficient and environmentally friendly supply chain.

Second, build a national e-commerce platform, connect trading floors, integrate payment, logistics and traceability using blockchain technology, QR code, RFID. This is an important step to ensure transparency and safety for consumers and help businesses optimize costs and improve competitiveness.

Third, innovation and comprehensive digital transformation. The industry and trade sector aims to form a digital transformation ecosystem for businesses, encouraging production facilities, cooperatives, and small businesses to apply technology in management, sales, and customer care. Smart retail models with AI, Big Data, and cashless payments are shaping a new look for the domestic market.

Finally, perfecting institutions, improving the business environment and protecting consumer rights. Increasing transparency and reducing administrative barriers will help businesses feel secure in investing, while honoring and protecting Vietnamese goods in the domestic market.

Mr. Tuan affirmed that domestic trade is the driving force for production, job creation and social security. In the era of green consumption and circular economy, market development policies need to be humane, friendly and transparent.

From that foundation, the Ministry of Industry and Trade is implementing major strategies: Domestic trade development strategy to 2030, vision to 2045; Retail market development strategy to 2050; Consumer stimulus program for the period 2025-2027 and Logistics and e-commerce development strategy for the period 2026-2030.

"This is a common journey, requiring consensus from the central to local levels, from management agencies to businesses and people," Mr. Tuan emphasized.

Ms. Tran Thi Phuong Lan, Chairwoman of the Vietnam Retailers Association: The retail market is recovering strongly but operating in a completely new way - Photo: DMS

Vietnam's retail market: Great potential, strong transformation

According to Ms. Tran Thi Phuong Lan, Chairwoman of the Vietnam Retailers Association, the retail market is recovering strongly but operating in a completely new way. Changes in consumer behavior force businesses to innovate comprehensively.

Thanks to stimulus policies and increased incomes, consumer confidence is being strengthened. Vietnam currently has more than 1,200 supermarkets, 270 shopping malls, 250,000 convenience stores and more than 7,500 points of sale of FDI enterprises such as Aeon, Lotte Mart, Go Market... Modern retail has accounted for more than 40% of total sales and continues to increase rapidly, affirming the trend of developing civilized commercial infrastructure.

Experts predict that in the period 2025-2030, Vietnam's GDP could increase by about 8%/year, while total retail sales of goods and services could increase by more than 12%, among the highest in the region. Vietnamese people are also consuming smarter and greener products, with 74% willing to pay 20% more for environmentally friendly products. "Vietnamese people use Vietnamese products" has become the natural choice of many consumers.

According to Ms. Lan, the retail market is at the threshold of strong transformation, but also faces many challenges: fierce competition, increasing costs, weak logistics and human resources lacking digital skills.

To adapt, businesses need to implement three key groups of solutions: Comprehensive digital transformation, developing multi-channel sales systems, applying AI in forecasting, personalizing promotions, and improving operational efficiency.

Investing in logistics infrastructure and cold supply chains to meet the demand for "fast shopping" and fresh food consumption.

Develop a phygital store model, combining physical space with digital platforms to increase customer interaction and retention.

Businesses also need to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to participate in e-commerce, standardize traceability, promote digital payments and apply AI and Big Data to deeply understand customer needs and forecast consumption trends.

In addition, green retail and circular economy have become inevitable trends, from reducing plastic, collecting old products, to cooperating with environmentally friendly suppliers. According to Ms. Lan, this is not only an action for the community, but also a strategy to increase brand value.

Along with technology, the human factor is still the foundation. Businesses need to train their staff in digital skills, data analysis and smart customer care to adapt to the new era.

At the Forum, Ms. Lan proposed that the State continue to improve the legal framework, reform procedures and create an open investment environment; at the same time, have policies to encourage investment in commercial infrastructure in remote areas, attract FDI in logistics and e-commerce, provide financial support and human resource training.

She also recommended strengthening the management of e-commerce activities, handling fraud and counterfeit goods, protecting consumers and building reasonable technical barriers to support Vietnamese businesses to proactively integrate.

Anh Tho

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/phat-trien-thuong-mai-trong-nuoc-dong-luc-duy-tri-tang-truong-ben-vung-102251029100411314.htm