Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Do Thang Hai said, "In order for Vietnamese goods to be distributed within the AEON supermarket system, AEON Group has coordinated with the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) and related agencies to conduct market research, select businesses with products that are suitable for the Japanese market, and organise practical training courses to improve the quality of goods to meet the nation's strict standards and regulations."

The opening ceremony for Vietnamese Products Week 2023 in Japan

The MoIT also hopes that AEON group will continue to organise trade promotion activities such as exhibitions and trade delegations to promote cooperation between the two countries.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Pham Quang Hieu shared, "The embassy and AEON Group regularly discuss finding solutions to boost import and export turnover between Vietnam and Japan through AEON's distribution channels. We hope that it will continue to cooperate with the MoIT to organise events and introduce high-quality products and cuisine from Vietnam to Japanese consumers."

Executive vice president of AEON Corporation Japan Mitsuko Tsuchiyahighly appreciates Vietnamese products, especially those that are grown in natural conditions.

She also stated, "This is the first time that we have introduced longan products from Vietnam. There are also many other items that are very popular with customers in Japan."

Representatives of the MoIT, the Vietnamese Embassy, and AEON Group visiting the booths

Vietnamese Products Week 2023 at AEON Japan introduces products from more than 40 suppliers nationwide, including food, seafood, textiles, footwear, home appliances, and healthcare products.

The highlight of this year is that agricultural products from the South are being displayed for the first time. In addition, the food stalls and souvenir shops introduce Vietnamese culture to Japanese customers and draw great attention.

It is expected that Vietnamese Products Week in Japan will deploy product trial counters from 2024 at all general department stores and supermarkets in the AEON system throughout Japan.

Furthermore, there is also a conference to connect businesses in Vietnam and Japan, as well as a session to guide Vietnamese businesses on the necessary regulations and standards when exporting into the Japanese AEON system.

Vietnamese Products Week is an annual activity co-chaired by the MoIT and the Hanoi People's Committee, in collaboration with the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City and the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan.

The activity sits within the MoIT's project to facilitate Vietnamese enterprises to directly participate in foreign distribution systems.

From 2017 to 2022, the total export value of Vietnamese goods through AEON's retail system reached more than $2 billion, including food, fashion, household items, and health and beauty products.

A representative of AEON Group said, "AEON will continue to make efforts to promote activities to introduce Vietnamese products to international markets through the group's retail system."