Promoting the development of mountainous trade infrastructure

Due to its geographical characteristics, mountainous areas still face many challenges in socio-economic development. The construction and upgrading of commercial infrastructure in mountainous districts not only helps improve people's lives but also creates a strong driving force for regional economic development.

Safe food fair 2024 held in Cam Thuy district.

In the 11 mountainous districts, there are currently 71 markets operating with more than 10,000 stores selling essential goods and over 60 stores selling safe food. However, the commercial system here is often small-scale, mainly household production and business and a number of mini supermarkets concentrated in the district and commune centers. This small scale and lack of uniformity have caused many limitations in trading and exchanging goods. In order to overcome the above situation, the People's Committees of the districts have actively mobilized resources to invest and develop synchronous transport infrastructure, creating favorable conditions for trading goods.

Cam Thuy district has focused on allocating land funds to meet current needs while creating conditions for the development of future investment projects. The district also encourages the participation of financial institutions and enterprises in the trade system, especially through promoting socialized cooperation. At the same time, it has implemented plans to transform market management models, focusing on areas with development potential to attract investors. The district has also promoted trade promotion activities, creating opportunities to connect with partners and expanding opportunities for development cooperation. To date, Cam Thuy has built more than 30 safe food stores and supported about 300 households to participate in the business of goods and services. The infrastructure of local markets has also been upgraded to meet the standards of safe food trading according to TCVN 11856:2017. Thanks to that, the local trade system has continuously improved, bringing many benefits to the people.

Many other mountainous districts in the province are also actively implementing solutions to promote the development of commercial infrastructure. One of the top priorities is to invest in building and upgrading the transport system, creating favorable conditions for the transportation of goods from production areas to consumption centers. Routes connecting key economic areas are gradually being completed, helping to reduce transportation costs and increase the competitiveness of local products.

In addition, district authorities focus on developing rural market systems and compact commercial centers that are suitable for regional characteristics. In addition, to support people and businesses in expanding their business activities, districts have actively implemented incentive policies, such as tax reduction, preferential loan support, and training courses on business and management skills. Trade promotion programs are also regularly organized, creating opportunities for connection between manufacturers, businesses, and investors.

Developing commercial infrastructure in mountainous areas does not only stop at meeting shopping and consumption needs but also aims at sustainable development, associated with local cultural identity. Districts have focused on exploiting specialty products such as organic agricultural products, traditional handicrafts, helping to build their own brands and attract the attention of markets outside the province. Typically, regional markets are held periodically not only as places for trading but also as opportunities to promote local images, attracting tourists and investors. Products with strong identities such as: Pu Luong forest honey of Hoang Than Thanh Hoa Joint Stock Company; Cu Mac Cai sticky rice of Ban Cong Agriculture - Tourism Cooperative (Ba Thuoc); Dan Moc cordyceps wine (Nhu Thanh) and handicrafts have become highlights, contributing to increasing economic value for people in mountainous areas.

Despite many remarkable achievements, the development of trade infrastructure in mountainous districts of Thanh Hoa still faces many challenges. The small scale of trade, unsynchronized infrastructure and limited investment resources are major barriers that need to be overcome. According to Mr. Nguyen Vu Thang, Deputy Head of the Trade Management Department, Department of Industry and Trade: "To promote trade development in this area, the department is actively coordinating with localities to promote and advertise products and apply support policies, attract social resources, develop points of sale and trade exchanges between regions in the province, in order to promote sustainable trade development. Strive for the total annual retail sales of goods and services in mountainous and coastal areas to reach 9-11%; at the same time, build 11 models of points of sale for agricultural products, local specialties and high-quality Vietnamese goods by 2025".

Article and photos: Chi Pham

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/thuc-day-phat-trien-ha-tang-thuong-mai-mien-nui-236564.htm