Hanoi ensures supply of essential goods amid COVID-19 threat

• Local fruit and vegetable sector sets export target of US$3.6 billion
• Vietnam targets US$10 billion from fruit, vegetable exports by 2030
• Fruit and vegetable exports decline by 7.6% in January

Photo for illustration. Source: VOV.

The move comes after Chu Ngoc Anh, chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee, signed an official telegram on July 18 evening, enforcing urgent COVID-19 prevention and control measures, with all non-essential services required to close as of July 19.

At local supermarkets, goods remain abundant on shelves, with a wide range of options available for customers, VOV has learned.  

According to reports by local citizens, the number of customers heading to supermarket chains such as VinMart has increased slightly following the issuance of the telegram, while people have not resorted to hoarding goods.

In addition, supermarkets in Hanoi have also moved to strictly implement a range of measures aimed at preventing and controlling the potential spread of the pandemic for employees, customers, and suppliers.

At wet markets, there have been no scenes of jostling to buy goods or hoarding fruit and vegetables, as was seen during previous waves of the pandemic.

The majority of sellers in the capital say that they have imported enough goods for consumption and have avoided stockpiling goods.

The Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade has also informed about the need to ensure the supply of essential goods for residents amid municipal authorities announcing more stringent social distancing measures from July 19, a move taken to curb a recent spike in community cases.

The Department has also recommended that residents do not stockpile goods, whilst also limiting gatherings at distribution systems in order to avoid further community transmission.