ĐỒNG NAI — Central Retail Vietnam strengthened ties with suppliers in Đồng Nai to increase its offerings of agricultural products, regional specialities and other locally made goods at a business matching event organised by the Đồng Nai City Department of Industry and Trade on Wednesday.

Held at the GO! Đồng Nai shopping mall, the first such meeting attracted 42 businesses, cooperatives, and other production establishments.

They held one-on-one meetings with Central Retail's purchasing teams responsible for fast-moving consumer goods and fresh foods to explore opportunities to supply products to the supermarket chain.

They were told about quality requirements and other procurement criteria.

Speaking at the event, Trần Dương Hùng, deputy director of the Đồng Nai Department of Industry and Trade, said the success of business matching initiatives should be measured by tangible commercial outcomes.

"A business matching event can only be considered truly successful when more products from Đồng Nai businesses enter distribution networks, more orders and contracts are secured, and more enterprises improve their product standards to participate sustainably in modern supply chains."

He encouraged producers and distributors to take advantage of the opportunity to hold practical discussions and establish long-term partnerships.

The department would continue to bring together producers and buyers, he promised.

Nguyễn Thị Bích Vân, communications director of Central Retail Vietnam, said Vietnamese products currently account for more than 90 per cent of the items on her chain’s shelves.

"Through this business matching event, we aim to further strengthen our supply of quality products to meet rising shopping demand during the year-end festive season and the upcoming Tết (Lunar New Year) holiday, both in Đồng Nai and nationwide."

Also at the event, the Department of Industry and Trade and Central Retail Vietnam signed an agreement to implement the "Responsible Green Tick" programme in the locality.

This targets improving the quality of agricultural and food supply chains, enhancing brand recognition for reputable and responsible suppliers, raising consumer awareness, and protecting consumer rights.

Vân added that the programme would help ensure that only products meeting certain standards are sold at GO! supermarkets and encourage businesses to strengthen their credibility by committing to product quality. — BIZHUB