Central Retail exec highlights global potential of 'delicious' Vietnamese goods

Two years ago, Central Retail exported Phu Quoc fish sauce made by 13 Vietnamese businesses to Thailand, and sold out in two days, said Paul Le, vice president of Central Retail, a member of Thailand's Central Group.

Le made the comment on Friday at the "Business Matching and Vietnamese Product Introduction Week" in Ho Chi Minh City.

"Vietnamese fish sauce is the best in the world, and that's why Thai customers really like it. We also want to bring fish sauce from northern Vietnam businesses because the taste is different from Phu Quoc’s.

"Besides Thailand, we also want to bring Vietnamese fish sauce to America and Europe. In addition to fish sauce, Bac Giang lychees are delicious, as are cashew nuts, noodles, rice paper, and Vietnamese seasoning salt," he added.

The highlights of the business matching week were the displays featuring tea, coffee, spices, and confectionery, as well as rice, fruit, and vegetables, with priority given to organic products showcased by more than 30 businesses having the potential to supply domestic and export distribution channels.

Ho Thi Quyen, deputy director of the Investment and Trade Promotion Center of HCMC (ITPC), highlighted Thailand as a key partner, noting that the ITPC is working to create favorable conditions for Thai businesses to invest and operate in the city, and vice versa.

“Throughout the week, Vietnamese products will be brought to domestic and international consumers through Central Retail's supermarket chain. At the same time, it will create opportunities for Vietnamese businesses to continue growing, improving product quality, and expanding consumption markets, to affirm the position of Vietnamese products globally," Quyen said.

Central Retail is a major multi-model, multi-sector retail group with a network spanning all major provinces and key areas in Thailand, Vietnam, and Italy. It operates in three main business segments, namely fashion, household appliances, and food. Central Retail runs more than 3,800 stores in the three countries.