Great opportunity for Vietnamese goods exported to the Thai market in 2023
HCMC, April 12, 2023 – Thailand and Vietnam are actively engaged in multilateral activities
According to information from the seminar “Consumer Trends and Export Standards to the Thai Market in 2023,” organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Investment and Trade Promotion Center (ITPC) and Central Retail Group in Vietnam, Thailand and Vietnam are active members in multilateral trade cooperation frameworks and have participated in many important free trade agreements. The removal of tariff barriers between the two countries has opened up numerous opportunities for import and export goods, facilitating the cooperation between Vietnam and Thailand in building supply chains, production chains, and promoting exports to third countries.
With their close geographical proximity, convenient transportation, and utilization of connecting routes like the East-West Economic Corridor and the Southern Economic Corridor, Vietnam and Thailand are collaborating to develop the logistics sector and strengthen their Strategic Partnership. Thailand has consistently maintained its position as Vietnam’s largest ASEAN trading partner.
In the first two months of 2023, bilateral trade between Vietnam and Thailand reached US$3 billion, with Vietnam’s exports to Thailand reaching US$1.2 billion, an increase of 12.4% compared to the same period in 2022. However, Vietnam’s imports from Thailand decreased by 15.2% compared to the same period in 2022, reaching US$1.8 billion. The bilateral trade target between the two countries is expected to reach US$25 billion in the near future.
In the export sector, Vietnamese businesses need to understand the preferences of the Thai market. Thailand has a diverse distribution channel system, creating numerous opportunities for Vietnamese goods to penetrate these systems and reach Thai consumers.
GO! and Big C are both major players in Thailand’s retail sector and also have a presence in Vietnam.
GO!, established in 1994, is a leading supermarket brand in Thailand with over 130 stores nationwide. It is a popular shopping destination for Thai people, offering a wide range of products and services from fresh food and household essentials to electronics and advanced technological products.
Big C, with over 900 stores across Southeast Asia, is a popular supermarket chain in both Thailand and Vietnam. In Vietnam, Big C has been present since 1998 and is one of the largest retailers. It offers a diverse range of products and services, including food, household items, children’s products, and fashion. The supermarket chain also provides online shopping and home delivery services.
With their widespread reach and array of convenient services, GO! and Big C are becoming ideal partners for businesses seeking to enter the retail markets of Thailand and Vietnam.
A key strength of GO! and Big C supermarket chains is their ability to assist manufacturers, suppliers, and SMEs in joining modern distribution systems, developing markets, and building brands. This is achieved through practical action programs such as training and guidance for Vietnamese businesses to improve their packaging, designs, and product quality to align with modern retail channels.
GO! and Big C supermarket chains are currently present in 40 provinces and cities, creating opportunities for Vietnamese exporters to reach consumers through Central Retail’s international retail network. However, Vietnamese businesses need to understand Thai consumer preferences, habits, and consumption patterns to ensure their products are well-received and competitive in the market.
The distribution landscape in Thailand is quite diverse, encompassing traditional markets, convenience stores, supermarkets, and hypermarkets. Businesses need to carefully research pricing, packaging, and other factors to suit each distribution channel.
To succeed in the Thai export market, Vietnamese businesses need to meet technical standards, ensure product quality, and utilize advanced technologies in processing and preserving products to maintain quality during transportation.
