Developing domestic market, driving force for economic growth

(To be continued)

In a volatile world, from geopolitical conflicts to supply chain disruptions leading to a global consumer recession, developing the domestic market is no longer an option but has become a vital requirement for businesses.

With more than 100 million people, the domestic market is considered a "gold mine" that needs to be fully exploited, a strategic fulcrum to promote business production, consumption and sustainable economic growth.

Developing the domestic market is also an opportunity for Vietnamese enterprises and goods to improve product quality, build brand strategies, apply digital technology , green production, etc. to reach consumers more deeply and widely. Thereby affirming the position of Vietnamese enterprises' products right at home.

Part 1: Focus on the domestic market, creating a "home field" position

OCOP products gradually improve their designs, packaging and traceability to reach a wider market.

After the COVID-19 pandemic, domestic production is facing the need to restructure the growth model towards sustainability, not being too dependent on the export market but strongly promoting the great potential of the domestic market.

Connecting production, distribution and consumption

In order for the “trio” to promote economic growth (including domestic consumption, export and investment), maintaining growth in the domestic market is one of the important factors. In recent years, the domestic market has received attention and very strong solutions have been put forward to maintain growth.

Specifically, the Prime Minister has issued a Decision approving the strategy "Domestic trade development for the period up to 2030, with a vision to 2045", affirming the view of developing domestic trade to become a solid bridge between production and consumption, playing an important role in orienting and leading domestic production to develop according to market signals, promoting the capacity and endogenous strength of the domestic market.

Exploiting the domestic market cannot be separated from the system of policies to support production, control the market and promote trade. In recent years, many fundamental solutions from the central to local levels have gradually created a solid foundation for Vietnamese goods to develop sustainably and expand domestic market share.

Tourists visit and choose local specialties and OCOP products at Vinh Long Passenger Port.

The Department of E-commerce and Digital Economy (Ministry of Industry and Trade) plays an important role in supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to access modern distribution channels. In addition to connecting with e-commerce platforms such as Shopee, Voso, Tiki..., many programs to support booth costs, product promotion and digital skills training have been implemented. A series of agricultural products, craft villages, and local handicrafts have expanded their online markets, contributing to increasing consumption margins and reducing pressure on dependence on traditional sales channels...

The Ministry of Industry and Trade issued Directive No. 08/CT-BCT on implementing solutions to continue promoting domestic market development and stimulating consumption in 2025. It proposed many solutions to realize the target of 8% GDP growth and 12% growth in total retail sales of goods and services.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade also assigned the Department of Domestic Market Management and Development to coordinate with local departments of industry and trade and enterprises to carry out activities to connect supply and demand, combined with the implementation of the Programs of Vietnamese people giving priority to using Vietnamese goods, the One Commune One Product (OCOP) Program... to link production with distribution of goods, supporting the consumption of domestically produced goods.

Especially in the context of some major export markets applying protectionist policies. The Ministry of Industry and Trade requires accelerating the implementation of projects and target programs on trade and domestic market development. Organizing many conferences on solutions for domestic market development to assess the situation, promptly grasp and remove difficulties and obstacles in market development, promote consumption of goods in localities and enterprises...

Focus on domestic market

Practice shows that many linkage models at the grassroots level are showing clear effectiveness, contributing to improving quality and expanding output for Vietnamese goods.

In Vinh Long, many cooperatives and agricultural cooperatives have gradually transformed from small-scale production models to systematic business operations, with strategies to build brands and expand consumption markets. They have actively applied technology in production management from registering growing area codes, tracing origins to producing according to VietGAP, GlobalGAP standards... to improve the quality of agricultural products, make information transparent and meet the requirements of modern distribution systems such as supermarkets and e-commerce platforms.

Mr. Huynh Van Cap - Director of Dong Thanh Sweet Grapefruit Cooperative (Dong Thanh Ward) said that the cooperative's sweet grapefruit products have achieved 4-star OCOP and have been labeled with traceability stamps from the seed stage to the finished product. "Thanks to the transparency of the origin, the cooperative's products are purchased and distributed by many units at good prices. We also actively participate in promotion through fairs, online platforms and are supported by local authorities to connect consumption at supermarket systems, ensuring stable output for members" - Mr. Cap said.

Similarly, the Java Rambutan Cooperative of Tan Khanh, the Longan Cooperative of Tich Phuoc (Tra On Commune), the Organic Coconut Cooperative of Tan An Luong (Trung Hiep Commune), the Durian Cooperative of Cay Dieu Hamlet (Cai Ngang Commune)... have all promoted linkages along the value chain, signed consumption contracts with enterprises and used growing area codes to ensure traceability. Thanks to that, the products have more stable prices, are less subject to price pressure from traders, and at the same time create trust with consumers.

In addition, many local enterprises have proactively innovated their production methods. Products such as Nhat Ngoc sweet potato cake, Thuan Duyen coconut chao, Foodovi mango jam, Thanh Cong pork roll, Nam Thuy flower roll, Sokfarm coconut nectar, Que Toi rice, Yen Hoang coconut candy, Truong An dried banana, Ba Dot grilled coconut, Thien Tan Phat dried abalone mushrooms... actively participated in the fair, connecting with consumers, collecting feedback and improving products according to actual needs. Thanks to achieving OCOP certification and food hygiene and safety standards, many products have been exported to markets such as the US, Australia, and Japan through small orders, gradually expanding their scale.

Mr. Van Quoc Hoang - Director of Co.opmart Vinh Long Supermarket said that currently, Vietnamese goods account for more than 90% in the supermarket, mainly consumer goods, clothing, and essential foods. Consumers increasingly prioritize products that suit their needs and prices, especially clean, OCOP goods with clear origins...

Create a foundation for further growth

According to the assessment of enterprises, in the context of general difficulties, the domestic market has helped consume goods and contributed to improving the competitiveness of enterprises, including medium, small and micro enterprises. According to Ms. Le Truc My - Director of My Ty Mai Company Limited, the domestic market plays an important role for enterprises, especially small and medium enterprises and start-ups, because after all, the products of enterprises must be consumed in the domestic market first.

And this is also a “test” for whether the product is accepted by the market or not. Also “considering that the domestic market is the first and important step to test the product” - Ms. Nguyen Thi Truc Linh - Director of Thuan Duyen Food Company Limited (Song Phu commune) commented “when the product is accepted by domestic consumers, it is also the foundation for the enterprise to continue to reach out to the international market”.

Meanwhile, the province is interested in trade promotion and considers it a “practical class” for local enterprises and cooperatives to update their business thinking. Recently, many small-scale production units have been exposed to new concepts such as digital commerce, online sales skills, artificial intelligence (AI) applications and big data through specialized training programs.

The domestic market is a solid foundation for Vietnamese goods to affirm their position and reach out to the region and the world.

Mr. Luong Trong Nghia - Deputy Director of the Department of Finance said: "Through training courses, we hope that local businesses will have more tools to expand the market, reach the right target customer base and promote their brands in a more professional and systematic way, suitable for the current context of integration and digital transformation".

Mr. Tran Quoc Tuan - Director of the Department of Industry and Trade: The province currently has 6 commercial centers, 1 shopping center, 16 supermarkets, 141 convenience stores and more than 400 traditional markets, of which 19 markets meet food safety standards. Total retail sales of goods and consumer service revenue in 2025 is estimated to reach 660,000 billion VND. This is a very impressive figure, reflecting the pivotal role of the trade sector in the regional economic structure.
In the coming time, the industry and trade sector will focus on developing the domestic market in conjunction with consumer protection. Accordingly, upgrading the market system and commercial centers towards a civilized, safe, and modernly managed direction. Strengthening market management, especially controlling counterfeit goods, trade fraud, and cross-border e-commerce. Effectively implementing policies to protect consumer rights, promoting healthy and civilized domestic consumption.

Article and photos: KHANH DUY - THAO TIEN

Source: https://baovinhlong.com.vn/kinh-te/202508/phat-trien-thi-truong-noi-dia-dong-luc-tang-truong-kinh-te-cdf0a35/