Hanoi municipal authorities plan to build around 1,000 markets and trade centres of different kinds, but this has raised concerns among experts.

Hanoi plans to build around 1,000 supermarkets in the next five years 

At a recent conference, Hanoi's authorities announced a plan to build a network of wholesale and retail markets in the capital city by 2020 with a vision toward 2030.

According to the Hanoi People’s Committee, the city will build 23 large supermarkets; 42 trade centres and 595 markets.

However, economists have voiced concerns over issues such as the land fund, capital and infrastructure systems as well whether there is enough demand to support such a plan.

Dr. Dang Dinh Dao, former head of the Institute of Economic Research and Development, under National Economics University, said that raising the number of supermarkets from 100 now to 1,000 in the next five years is too ambitious considering the city's current limited infrastructure condition.

“For instance, supermarkets will have impact on traffic, road upkeep and parking lot constructions. Besides, it is important to have logistics plan distribution,” Dao added.

Dao noted that it would be very difficult to arrange a large land fund for building so many markets in the inner-city areas of Hanoi.

Dr. Dao Ngoc Nghiem, deputy chairman of Hanoi Urban Planning and Development Association, said that other infrastructure, such as schools, hospitals and public works should be prioritised for land allotments.

According to Vu Vinh Phu, chairman of the Hanoi Supermarket Association, 87% of people in Hanoi buy goods from more traditional temporary markets. Phu suggested that the planned number of markets to be cut by two thirds, adding that they should focus on improving product quality and service, instead of just expanding the scale of operations.

Dr. Dao Ngoc Nghiem suggested that traditional markets be restored to become cleaner, particularly in terms of food safety.