Nguyễn Lộc Hà, Permanent Vice Chairman of the HCM City People’s Committee, speaks at the opening of the festival marking the High-Quality Vietnamese Goods programme’s 30th anniversary. — Photo courtesy of the organiser

HCM CITY — Nearly 150 businesses are showcasing Vietnamese products at more than 200 booths at a four-day festival in HCM City marking the 30th anniversary of the High-Quality Vietnamese Goods programme.

The High-Quality Vietnamese Goods Business Association opened the festival on October 8 at Lê Văn Tám Park under the theme “Pride and Continuity”. Running until October 11, it offers consumers, particularly young people and families, opportunities to explore domestic products, meet local brands and reflect on three decades of a campaign shaped by consumer feedback.

Activities include product trials, promotional offers, games, photo opportunities and networking sessions.

At the opening ceremony, Vũ Kim Hạnh, chairwoman of the association, said product quality had remained the programme’s foundation since its launch in 1997, helping businesses build consumer trust.

Annual consumer surveys have provided the basis for awarding the High-Quality Vietnamese Goods title while offering businesses insights to develop long-term strategies, she said.

Vũ Kim Hạnh, chairwoman of the High-Quality Vietnamese Goods Business Association, speaks at the opening of the festival, highlighting the importance of product quality, consumer trust and innovation in strengthening the competitiveness of Vietnamese businesses. — Photo courtesy of the organiser

The programme has grown from an initial 120 recognised companies in 1997 to more than 1,000 businesses. To help enterprises adapt to changing markets, the association also established the High-Quality Vietnamese Goods – Integration Standard programme, which guides them towards stricter production standards and greater global competitiveness.

The association regularly gathers consumer feedback, shares findings with businesses and organises initiatives to help them respond to evolving market demands.

Hạnh said: “Building on the programme’s 30-year tradition of ensuring product quality, leveraging local resources, preserving Vietnamese identity, serving consumers well and adapting to changing market conditions, we believe the priority in the years ahead is to carry this legacy forward with renewed vigour. By promoting innovation that is closely aligned with practical needs and business realities, we can take effective and meaningful steps forward.”

Nguyễn Lộc Hà, Permanent Vice Chairman of the HCM City People’s Committee, said the consumer-voted programme had built a strong reputation over three decades while supporting the growth of Vietnamese businesses.

Hà said HCM City is entering a new phase of development. As a special-class city, the country’s economic powerhouse, and a key hub for international integration, the city has a responsibility to take the lead, creating fresh momentum and opportunities for Vietnamese businesses

Politburo Resolution No 09-NQ/TW dated May 19, 2026, on building and developing HCM City in the new era, sets out requirements for strengthening its global competitiveness, aiming to elevate it to a global city on par with leading international metropolises. In this process, Vietnamese businesses must not only benefit from support but also serve as pioneering forces driving these new competitive capabilities, he said.

“Today, consumers have numerous choices and can easily compare domestic products with international alternatives right in the home market. Therefore, enhancing quality and international competitiveness is urgent," he said.

He called on businesses to maintain consumer trust through product quality, transparency and investment in research and development. Digital and green transformation should deliver practical benefits, including more efficient production, better resource use, higher productivity and improved customer service.

Visitors explore Vietnamese products at the festival.       — Photo courtesy of the organiser

Combining local knowledge, domestic raw materials and Vietnamese cultural identity with modern technology and design could also help create distinctive value for Vietnamese goods in international markets, he said.

Hà urged the association to expand its role beyond recognising high-performing businesses by connecting enterprises with experts, research institutes, universities, distribution networks and markets. It should also share successful practices and business models to help smaller and younger enterprises improve their quality and competitiveness.

The city aims to work with businesses to build a modern consumer ecosystem that gives high-quality Vietnamese goods greater visibility across distribution networks, shopping destinations, tourism and trade promotion activities. This would help serve domestic consumers while strengthening the city’s appeal to international visitors.

At the opening ceremony, the association also presented commendations from central authorities and HCM City to 46 businesses for achievements in production and business, brand development, science and technology, innovation, sustainable development and social value creation. — VNS