The capital is set to stockpile consumer goods worth VND39.4 trillion in order to put them on sale in the lead up to the New Year and the Lunar New Year, known locally as Tet, up roughly 5% in comparison with the scheduled plan.

Customers shop at a Vinmart supermarket (Photo: VNA)

According to Tran Thi Phuong Lan, deputy director of Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade, Hanoi has issued guidelines to enterprises and retailers regarding stockpiling goods at reasonable levels and marketing them prior to Tet to prevent insufficient supplies.

At present, enterprises throughout the capital have developed plans to increase the number of essential commodities available such as dried bamboo shoots, mushrooms, pork, sticky rice and rice noodle.

The quantity of stockpiles has risen by between 7% and 22% compared to the same period from last year in an effort to meet consumer demand and to ensure goods are still available after Tet, Lan said.

Lan added that her department will also keep a close eye on market developments, along with those relating to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) to regulate supply and demand. It will also promote control of smuggled, contraband and poor-quality goods, while targeting food hygiene and safety violations.