Saigon Co.op signs MoUs with 17 producers and suppliers of agricultural products for developing its raw material zoning plan. — Photo courtesy of Saigon Co.op

Saigon Co.op hasannounced its zoning plan for raw material areas and signed memorandums of understanding with 17 producers and suppliers in six provinces and cities at a ceremony it held in HCM City.

The partners are from HCM City and Bình Dương, Tây Ninh, Lâm Đồng, Đồng Tháp, and Tiền Giang provinces and are producers of agricultural products such as green-skinned grapefruit, mango, banana, cantaloupe, dragon fruit, white cabbage, tomato, carrot, lettuce, and cucumber.

Saigon Co.op has also promised to provide funds to five cooperatives and local raw material suppliers specialising in safe vegetables such as cucumber, tomato and white cabbage, and purchase all their products.

The MoUs mark the completion of the first phase of its planning, and it will co-operate with partners in other provinces and cities nationwide for phases 2 and 3.

The zoning is expected to help develop a retail ecosystem that supports localities, connects producers and establish a safe food supply chain.

Also at the ceremony, Saigon Co.op signed a memorandum of understanding with Korea’s Dure Consumer's Cooperative Union for import-export of goods and exchanging experiences in retail operations and activities to promote the cooperative movement in both countries.

Nguyễn Anh Đức, general director of Saigon Co.op, said the co-operative has striven relentlessly to improve supply chains from production to distribution, bringing products that are not only healthy for consumers but also contribute to environmental protection and sustainable development of the country’s economy.

“Establishing raw material areas associated with planting area codes ensures that consumers get products with clear origins and assured food safety and producers have stable outlets. This is a key factor in ensuring a steady supply chain for distributors." — VNS