MoIT paves way for circulation of farm produce despite pandemic obstacles

The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) has reported to the prime minister on a package of measures to overcome obstacles to goods circulation and boost consumption of farm produce despite the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The MoIT cooperates with major distribution systems in the north to purchase agricultural products from farmers, cooperatives and enterprises in Hai Duong Province

Ensuring circulation

After the northern province of Hai Duong applied social distancing across the province from February 16, the MoIT worked with major distribution systems in the north, such as the Central Group (Big C and Go! supermarket chains), VinCommerce (VinMart and VinMart+ chains), BRG Retail (BRG Mart supermarket chain) and MM Mega Market chain to purchase agricultural products from Hai Duong farmers, cooperatives and enterprises.

So far, the Central Group has purchased 100 tonnes of fruit and vegetables per week from Hai Duong Province for its retail system. The volume is expected to increase to 200 tonnes per week soon. MM Mega Market Vietnam has ordered 24.3 tonnes of fruit and vegetables per day from the province, including kohlrabi, cabbage and guava for its distribution systems in the central and southern regions. VinMart has also ordered some farm produce.

However, most Covid-19 control stations in neighboring provinces and cities have restricted entry of vehicles going from or through Hai Duong, leaving agricultural products stuck and impacting farmers’ livelihoods.

Localities and businesses complained that implementation of required Covid-19 testing for those engaged in transporting goods is inconsistent, hampering sales and consumption of agricultural products.

Difficulties in transporting commodities have also affected production in the province and other localities because Hai Duong Province is located at the center of the development triangle of Hanoi-Hai Phong-Quang Ninh.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Dang Hoang An said the basic problems have been resolved, but other localities need to learn from Hai Duong’s experience to ensure the circulation of people, goods and vehicles.

Promoting connections

The MoIT has deployed activities to strengthen supply-demand connections and boost consumption of agricultural products in the domestic and international markets.

The ministry has also asked the prime minister to direct the Ministry of Health to provide unified guidance on the circulation of people, goods and vehicles between pandemic-hit areas and other localities, while directing relevant units to prioritize the implementation of Covid-19 testing for truck drivers in order to accelerate goods transportation.

The ministry has worked with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in coordination with the Ministry of Health to issue unified guidance on production processes of agro-forestry-fishery products to ensure disease prevention and sufficient conditions for distribution in the domestic and international markets.

Pandemic-hit provinces and neighboring localities should work with experienced provinces and cities (Lang Son, Thua Thien Hue, Tay Ninh and Quang Nam) to organize safe goods transportation and circulation models suitable to conditions on the ground and ensure effective Covid-19 prevention and control.