More than 1,000 representatives from suppliers nation-wide join in Metro's Supplier Conference held in HCM City on Thursday. -- VNS File Photo

HCM CITY (Biz Hub) — Metro Cash & Carry Viet Nam, said it would continue to focus on professional customers in its aim to be the champion for independent businesses.

At its supplier conference held on February 27 in HCM City, the wholesaler said the professional market potential in Viet Nam was VND1,250 trillion (US$59 billion) per year.

The huge market for this business segment has not been effectively exploited, company representatives said.

Metro's managing director, Philippe Bacac, said the company would focus on six customer target groups: Vietnamese eateries, canteens, Vietnamese restaurants, small food traders, manufacturers and major offices.

Because the 2012 business strategy was successfully carried out last year, it would become "even more professional and specific," Bacac told Viet Nam News.

He said that six selected customer target groups had a potential of VND550 trillion ($26 billion) a year.

With such a strategy, the wholesaler said priority would be given to these six professional customers.

In addition, they will continue to support and serve other complementary customers.

Metro's strategy has received support from more than 1,000 representatives from suppliers nationwide, many of whom attended the conference yesterday.

Manufacturers and suppliers said the strategy had helped them approach the market and solve the problem of inventory that many of them have faced in a tough economic climate.

In addition, the company's approach has helped suppliers further their exports through Metro's distribution system.

A leading wholesaler in Viet Nam, Metro opened in the country in 2002. Currently, it has 19 centres in 14 cities and provinces nationwide.

About 95 per cent of products sold at Metro are sourced from Viet Nam. — VNS