Increase the proportion of trade.

According to data from the Provincial Statistics Department, trade and services currently account for approximately 35% of the province's GDP and are identified as one of the priority areas in the economic development strategy.

Modern commercial and retail activities are thriving in Thanh Hoa province.

In the development landscape of Thanh Hoa, the strong emergence of the trade and service sectors has become a driving force behind profound and significant changes to the province's economy. Particularly noteworthy is the increase in both the number and quality of shopping centers, wholesale markets, supermarkets, and convenience stores. These establishments not only serve as outlets for goods but also act as hubs connecting and attracting capital, labor, and even tourists . Modern shopping and service areas create a vibrant business environment, contributing to domestic consumption and improving the living standards of the people. The construction and development of these service models not only revitalizes the province's appearance but also provides a crucial impetus for Thanh Hoa to integrate more strongly into the domestic and regional markets. Furthermore, tourism is another area where Thanh Hoa has achieved significant progress. Tourism not only plays a leading role in the development of trade and services, but it is also a highly potential and effective economic sector. Prominent destinations such as Sam Son beach, Pu Luong tourist area, and the Ho Dynasty Citadel heritage site attract millions of visitors each year, while simultaneously promoting the development of supporting industries such as hotels, restaurants, and transportation services, creating momentum for the province's economy to reach further.

Furthermore, Thanh Hoa also focuses on developing services.

Logistics and transportation. Nghi Son Seaport and Tho Xuan Airport are two important "highlights" playing a key role as hubs for trade, connecting goods and services. With its strategic geographical location near major transportation routes, Thanh Hoa has the potential to become a "logistics center" of the North Central region, contributing positively to the transportation and circulation of goods domestically and internationally. To achieve this goal, the province is constantly striving to improve transportation infrastructure and enhance transportation services, thereby strengthening economic connections between regions, provinces, and further to the international market.

Committed to sustainable development goals, Thanh Hoa province is also promoting the development of e-commerce, digital economy, industrial services, finance and banking... In the first 10 months of 2024, the province's total retail sales of goods and service revenue reached approximately VND 162.4 billion, an increase of 14.2% compared to the same period in 2023. Of this, retail sales of goods amounted to VND 128.4 billion, an increase of 12.5%; revenue from accommodation and food services reached nearly VND 24.5 billion, an increase of 16.3%; and service revenue reached nearly VND 9.5 billion, an increase of 20%.

The Thanh Hoa Provincial Planning for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2045, has set the goal of: Boosting the service sector, improving quality and competitiveness with other provinces in the North Central region. The province will focus on developing service sectors with potential and advantages, contributing to the rapid and sustainable socio-economic development of the locality. Thanh Hoa's trade network will be rapidly developed with the diverse participation of various economic sectors, ensuring the adequate supply of essential goods, stabilizing market prices, and closely linking with production and investment activities to promote comprehensive socio-economic development.

Thanh Hoa will continue to build a modern retail network, attracting high-value segments to meet the needs of domestic and international tourists. The province also aims to link trade development with tourism, combining shopping with entertainment tourism, creating conditions to promote balanced economic development in the province. Regarding this sector...

In terms of logistics, the province is orienting its development towards transportation and warehousing, leveraging its strategic location to serve local factories, retail operations, and e-commerce. In particular, the construction of a first-class regional logistics center in the Nghi Son Economic Zone is a key objective to improve efficiency and expand the scale of logistics services in the region. If the province continues to effectively utilize its existing advantages, accelerate reforms, and invest, it has the potential to rise strongly and become a leading service and trade center in the region.

Text and photos: Chi Pham

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/tang-ty-trong-thuong-mai-dich-vu-trong-co-cau-nen-kinh-te-230595.htm