Hanoi (VNA) – There is ample room for Vietnamto boost export and direct distribution of goods in foreign retail systems,heard a conference recently held by theVietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT).

At the event, which discussed the implementation of the Government’s project on promoting Vietnamese enterprises' direct participation in foreign distribution networks by 2030, representatives of foreign distribution giantssaid Vietnamese exporters need to ensure stability in output, quality, andprice of goods; and meet requirements of environmental protection for their products.

Shiotani, General Director of Japan’s AeonTopvalu Vietnam said his firm annually imports tens of thousands of tonnes ofbananas with a total value of 100 million USD, with up to 70% of the volume used to be fromthe Philippines because banana supplies there are stable in terms of price andquality.

However, in 2018, Aeon signed a memorandum of understanding with the VietnameseMinistry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) and began to import fresh bananas from Vietnam.

With positive feedback from customers, the volumeof Vietnamese products exported to Japan increased significantly last year,accounting for more than 50% of the company’s total banana imports.

Shiotani said his company chooses banana suppliers based on their circularproduction model, adding that the model of this kind should be expanded.

To be accepted at foreign distribution systems, suppliers must meet therequirements of sustainable development and environmental protection besides product quality and price factors, he noted.

Aly Ansari, senior director in charge of supply at Walmart Group ofthe US, also said the firm is interested in suppliers who focus on sustainabilityfactors.

He said Walmart places great emphasis on products made by ethical suppliers,who pay their workers fairly and attach special importance to ensuring foodsafety.

Vietnam’s agro-aquaculture products will be prioritised if Vietnamese producersapply climate change adaptation solutions to farming, he said.

According to Do Hong Hanh, strategic partner directorof Amazon Global Selling Vietnam, in 2022, Vietnam’s exports through Amazon sharplysoared by 80%. Nearly 10 million Vietnamese goods items, mainly kitchenproducts, textiles, health care products, and consumer goods, were exported throughe-commerce platforms, with export value rising by 45% from the previous year.

Do Thang Hai, Deputy Minister of Industry and Tradesaid by implementing the project, Vietnam's high-quality products have reached millionsof consumers through distribution channels worldwide.

Exporting to distribution systems of foreign retailgroups has become an effective and sustainable solution to further expand thecountry’s export, Hai noted.

In the coming time, the MoIT will focus on developing anetwork of strategic partners for the project, especially retail distributioncompanies that have a presence in Vietnam or those that are interested inshifting their supply chain to the Vietnamese market, Hai said.

The ministry will also pay heed to studying and proposing suitable policies to encourage Vietnamese enterprises to engage in direct export, he said./.