Song Dam dried shrimps are now available in many traditional markets and food stores in HCM City. (Photo: VOV)

Previously, Song Dam Dried Shrimp Production Workshop in Ca Mau province, could only sell up to 500 kg of dried shrimps to adjacent provinces. But since 2016, thanks to a trade cooperation agreement signed with HCM City, the workshop’s sale has doubled with prices increasing 20-30%. Song Dam dried shrimps are now available in many traditional markets and food stores in HCM City.

Le Minh Sang, Head of the workshop said, 'Since we joined the trade promotion program, many companies like Big C, Coopmart and a number of food stores know about us and we can sign more contracts with bigger sales.'

Every day, wholesale markets in HCM City buy thousands of agro and food products from other provinces to distribute to more than 230 traditional markets in the city. The trade cooperation program between HCM City and southern localities have created links between businesses and helped them expand their production.

(Photo:VOV)

Over the past five years, many businesses have opened new workshops and factories in eastern and western southern provinces. They have enhanced links, provided capital for farmers, and ensured their outlets. The city’s businesses have developed chains and established stable material regions in adjacent provinces.

The program has also encouraged local farmers to improve the quality of their products and ensure food safety and hygiene.

Chau Thi Le, Deputy Director of the Long An provincial Department of Industry and Trade, said, 'This cooperation program has changed producers’ behaviors. Long An province will continue to cooperate with HCM City to ensure the supply of quality products.'

Nguyen Huynh Trang, Deputy Director of HCM City’s Department of Industry and Trade said priorities will be given to agricultural products and local specialties that are produced with VietGap and GlobalGap standards.

Duong Anh Duc, Vice Chairman of the HCM City People’s Committee, said that closer cooperation between localities should be strengthened to ensure stable yield and product quality. 'HCM City will work with relevant agencies, sectors, and other localities to promote trade, boost links and help tackle difficulties to help businesses develop production and export,' said Duc.

Applying the philosophy “If you want to go fast, go by yourself, if you want to go far, go with others”. Applying this philosophy, businesses in HCM City and southern provinces are aiming to enhance their links to expand production and reach out to more foreign markets.