Can Tho expands agricultural product marketing and export opportunities

On July 14, the Can Tho Department of Industry and Trade held its conference to review performance during the first half of 2026 and outline priorities for the remaining six months of the year. The meeting assessed the sector's progress against key targets while introducing a range of measures to promote industrial production, trade, import and export activities, and market development.

According to the report, during the first half of 2026, the Department of Industry and Trade focused on implementing resolutions issued by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and the municipal government. It also strengthened cooperation with Hanoi, Da Nang, and Tay Ninh to expand markets for local products, attract investment, and support business development.

In the areas of trade and import-export, key initiatives included organizing Can Tho's conference on rice export performance, promoting business matchmaking activities, and showcasing OCOP (One Commune One Product) products and outstanding rural industrial products through domestic and international trade promotion programs. The department also assisted businesses in making better use of free trade agreements (FTAs), strengthening brand development, improving product traceability, and expanding e-commerce activities.

In addition, the sector implemented various consumer demand stimulation programs, promoted Vietnamese goods in rural areas, and increased the visibility of local agricultural products. Notably, Can Tho hosted its first Durian Buffet Week, an event designed to introduce value-added durian products, enhance the fruit's value, and create broader market opportunities for local agricultural produce.

According to the report, total retail sales of goods and consumer service revenue were estimated at VND 126.7 trillion, up 18% year-on-year. Merchandise export turnover and foreign currency earnings reached approximately USD 3.062 billion, an increase of 11%, while imports totaled USD 721 million. Meanwhile, the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) rose by 8.8%, with industrial output reaching an estimated VND 168 trillion, up 11.78% compared with the same period last year.

Huynh Thanh Su, Deputy Director of the Can Tho Department of Industry and Trade, said that in the second half of the year, the department will continue supporting businesses in overcoming challenges, strengthening supply-demand linkages, promoting Vietnamese products in rural areas, and showcasing local agricultural products, OCOP products, and outstanding rural industrial products. It will also focus on expanding export markets, developing logistics services, accelerating e-commerce and digital transformation, and enhancing the competitiveness of locally produced goods.

In addition to traditional trade promotion activities, the Can Tho Department of Industry and Trade has identified digital transformation and logistics development as two key priorities for enhancing the competitiveness of local agricultural products. Expanding e-commerce use, promoting products through digital platforms, and establishing direct links with modern retail and distribution networks will enable businesses and cooperatives to reach customers more efficiently while reducing intermediary stages in the marketing and distribution process.

As the economic hub of the Mekong Delta, Can Tho aims to strengthen further its role as a regional center for agricultural production, processing, logistics, and exports, thereby contributing to higher value across the region's agricultural supply chains in the years ahead.

To further expand markets for local agricultural products, Ha Vu Son, Director of the Can Tho Department of Industry and Trade, said the department will organize a Durian Buffet Week featuring nearly 20 durian-based dishes. It will also intensify product promotion through digital platforms, work with businesses to launch campaigns to stimulate shopping and consumer demand, and expand distribution networks.

Le Cong Ly, Standing Vice Chairman of the Can Tho People's Committee, said the industry and trade sector continues to play a pivotal role in the city's economic development, with trade and exports maintaining solid growth. He called on the department to stay aligned with the city's economic growth strategy by prioritizing the development of processing and manufacturing industries, accelerating energy, logistics, and commercial infrastructure projects, and further diversifying export markets. He also urged continued promotion of local agricultural products and OCOP products, while supporting businesses in meeting green standards, strengthening product traceability, and making full use of free trade agreements (FTAs) to achieve the city's 2026 growth targets.

$ 1 = VND 26,450 - Source: Vietcombank.