Vietnamese dragon fruits on display for sale at the Udon Thani supermarket. — Photo courtesy of Central Retail Vietnam

Vietnam’s Week in Udon Thani 2024 officially started at Central Udon, the leading shopping centre in Udon Thani, Thailand, on Thursday.

Hosted jointly by Central Retail Vietnam, Central Group Thailand, and the Ho Chi Minh City Investment and Trade Promotion Center (ITPC), the event highlights nearly 40 businesses from HCM City and neighboring provinces such as Quảng Nam, Tiền Giang and Kiên Giang.

Products on display include agricultural goods, processed foods, tea, coffee, handicrafts, fashion items and pharmaceuticals, with a focus on organic and eco-friendly products.

The programme aims to promote Vietnamese products, deepen trade ties between Vietnam and Thailand and offer Thai consumers a chance to explore high-quality Vietnamese goods.

ITPC’s Deputy Director, Hồ Thị Quyên emphasised the significance of this collaboration, which marks the first time such an event has been held outside of Việt Nam. The event also serves as an opportunity for Vietnamese businesses to connect with Thai retailers, especially through a business matchmaking program with the Central Group’s Tops supermarket chain.

Executive Vice President of Business Development at Central Group, Jariya Chirathivat, expressed confidence that the event would strengthen the ties between the Vietnamese and Thai business communities, boosting support for Vietnamese products in the region.

Since 2016, Central Group and Central Retail Vietnam have partnered with the Ministry of Industry and Trade to promote Vietnamese products in Thailand, helping nearly 500 Vietnamese businesses reach Thai consumers. The Vietnam’s Week in Udon Thani is expected to continue enhancing trade promotion and supporting Vietnamese businesses as they expand into international markets.

The event will run until November 10. — VNS