Illustrative image/Photo news.go.vn

HCM CITY (Biz Hub) — The HCM City Food and Foodstuff Association (FFA) should focus more on developing linkages between its member enterprises and farmers, the deputy chairwoman of the HCM City People's Committee has said.

Nguyen Thi Hong said such cooperation would enable farmers to find more outlets for their products.

She also noted that firms could place orders with farmers for products that are in demand both in domestic and foreign markets.

Speaking at a meeting held in HCM City yesterday, Hong also called on FFA members to develop close linkages with each other and to join forces to boost the development of the industry.

The association's deputy chairman, Nguyen Ngoc An, said the FFA had carried out activities to help member companies stay afloat in recent years.

It had organised seminars, fairs, training courses and trade promotions to help members improve competitiveness and expand to other markets, he said.

Despite having fewer difficulties this year compared to 2013, firms active in the food and foodstuff industry still faced challenges, including declining demand and high input costs, he said.

The association planned to take action to help its members overcome difficulties in the coming time, he said.

At the meeting which was held late last week to review the FFA's performance over the years, the FFA was awarded the Labour Order Third Class for its contribution to economic development in the last 16 years.— VNS

It has more than 200 official members, many of whom have participated in the city's price stabilisation programme for many years. — VNS