Many experts believe that in addition to renovating Ben Thanh Market (District 1, Ho Chi Minh City), the city needs to upgrade and modernize both the market and the surrounding area, including Le Loi Street, to transform this area into an attractive "check-in" spot when the metro line becomes operational.
Tourists visiting and shopping at Ben Thanh Market - Photo: N. Tri
Renovating the market requires significant capital, but many small traders are still struggling to make ends meet.
Therefore, in addition to social mobilization, according to experts and small business owners, there needs to be a separate mechanism to allocate budget funds for repairing and upgrading the market, as well as beautifying the area surrounding Ben Thanh Market.
Small business owners hope the government will lend a helping hand.
Speaking to us, Mr. Nguyen H., the owner of a fashion stall at Ben Thanh Market , said that because the market is dilapidated, traders have to endure the heat during the hot season.
"During the rainy season, the market is often flooded and leaks, damaging goods, and the drainage system is inadequate. Therefore, repairing and upgrading the market as soon as possible is crucial," Mr. H. said.
According to Tuoi Tre newspaper, although business at Ben Thanh Market has been busier than in previous months, many vendors say the number of customers is very modest compared to previous years.
"Business is tough, and I rent the stall for 100,000 VND per day, not to mention various related taxes and fees. Therefore, if the market is renovated, we can only contribute a portion," Mr. H. said.
According to Ms. NTV, a small business owner selling handicrafts at the market, purchasing power is only 50% of what it was in previous years, so many stalls are still closed.
Therefore, relying solely on small traders to repair the market will be very difficult. "The government needs to consider mechanisms to provide support for repairs, as this is also a tourist attraction and the face of the city," Ms. V. said.
Speaking to Tuổi Trẻ newspaper, a representative of the Ben Thanh Market management board said the market has 1,433 business households with 1,538 stalls/shops.
However, due to a lack of customers, there are currently only about 1,100 businesses operating in the market. Therefore, according to this source, the market's main source of revenue, which is from fees for using sales space, is quite modest.
"Ben Thanh Market used to be a central market, a bustling hub for goods, but now it's mainly a tourist market, and the income for vendors isn't as much as before. Therefore, budget support is urgently needed, in addition to options such as contributions from vendors, social mobilization, or borrowing at low interest rates... to renovate the market," this person said.
Comprehensive investment in urban renovation is needed.
Speaking to Tuoi Tre newspaper, Dr. Duong Duc Minh, deputy director of the Institute for Economic and Tourism Development Research, said that the value that Ben Thanh Market brings is not only the business activities of the traders, but it also has symbolic value for Ho Chi Minh City.
Therefore, investing in upgrading and developing Ben Thanh Market is not just a matter for the traders, but also a matter for the city as a whole.
"The city has specific resolutions, especially Resolution 98, which addresses investment in tourism development. Based on this resolution and related factors, we can be flexible and consider the investment in renovating Ben Thanh Market as an investment in tourism and the city's economic development, which requires budget support," Dr. Minh suggested.
According to Mr. Minh, investing in the comprehensive renovation of the central area, with Ben Thanh Market as a connecting point, is necessary.
"The synchronized investment creates spatial connections, such as from Le Loi Street through Ben Thanh Market, Nguyen Hue Street , the metro line... giving visitors a continuous flow of emotions and a positive experience."
"In particular, Ben Thanh Market is a key spot for tourists to check in, which then spreads to other locations," Mr. Minh added.
An expert in the field of architecture also believes that, given its historical and geographical advantages, if properly developed, Ben Thanh Market and the city center will soon become a top check-in spot in Vietnam. Therefore, Ben Thanh Market should be viewed not just as a traditional market , but as a tourist destination and economic development hub.
"Attracting more international tourists will lead to the development of other industries such as accommodation, shopping, and food... In addition to general tasks, the city should create its own model to encourage local residents to participate, such as repainting houses, adopting standardized advertising signs, and conducting business in accordance with regulations...", this person suggested.
Increase connections to make multiple sales.
According to Dr. Duong Duc Minh, markets are linked to the flow of commercial culture, so in addition to upgrading, the city could research and design more spaces to sell OCOP products at Ben Thanh Market, as well as specialties from various localities, to tell more interesting stories.
In addition, we need to create a product database and increase online sales connections so that foreign tourists can still purchase products from Ben Thanh Market after returning home. We must increase connections to facilitate repeat sales.
Tuoitre.vn
Comment (0)