Widespread distribution network

In recent years, Điện Biên’s commodity distribution system has rapidly developed, with wholesale and retail networks now effectively meeting the province’s circulation needs.

According to the provincial Department of Industry and Trade, commercial activities in the province have seen positive changes. Distribution channels adequately serve the trading and shopping demands of residents. The essential goods distribution network includes three commercial centers, three grade-III standard supermarkets, 15 convenience stores, and 38 large specialized stores operating in a supermarket model. These outlets are organized by product category, clearly display prices, and offer conveniences like POS payment systems and home delivery services.

Additionally, there are 41 traditional markets (3 grade II and 38 grade III) where goods are distributed mainly through merchants, small businesses, distribution and preservation facilities, and other commercial service providers, these markets remain crucial supply points for people’s essential daily needs.

As Điện Biên currently lacks agricultural or forestry processing plants, most food and agricultural products are imported from other provinces such as Hanoi, Bắc Ninh, Hưng Yên, and Phú Thọ. Beyond traditional markets and supermarkets, many businesses act as distributors or agents supplying goods directly to local shops through mobile delivery vehicles.

Among these, Winmart convenience store chain has expanded rapidly, operating 10 stores across the province. The chain actively works with partners to stock a wide variety of quality goods. In addition to warehousing at its central storage, Winmart outlets in upland areas like Tủa Chùa, Tuần Giáo, and Mường Ảng are prepared to draw supplies from nearby stores within the same system to ensure timely and sufficient provision for both residents and government needs.

Retail and wholesale agents across the province have also proactively stocked goods in preparation for demand spikes during storm season.

Mai Thị Mùi, a retailer in Điện Biên Phủ wity, shared: “As a wholesale and retail agent of food products, I’ve already stocked enough goods for the rainy season to meet consumer needs. We are committed not to hoard or inflate prices to protect consumer rights.”

Proactive preparedness

To prevent disruptions and ensure a steady supply of essential goods during natural disasters, the Department of Industry and Trade has directed local governments to create stockpiling and market stabilization plans. These focus particularly on food, fuel, raw materials, and essential construction supplies. Plans also include mobilizing labor, equipment, and resources for disaster prevention, flood response, and search and rescue missions. Businesses are closely monitoring weather patterns and implementing the principles of “four on-the-spot” (on-site command, on-site manpower, on-site supplies, and on-site logistics) and “three readiness levels” (proactive prevention, timely response, and rapid recovery).

For petroleum products, fuel companies have outlined specific plans to ensure sufficient reserves and timely delivery to disaster-affected or hard-to-reach areas. For example, companies like Điện Biên Petroleum, Nam Linh Trang Co., Ltd., and others have prepped distribution plans with a focus on landslide-prone, flood-isolated areas such as Mường Nhé, Nậm Kè, Nà Hỳ, Pa Ham, and Tủa Chùa, many of which are also home to major construction projects.

Thanks to these proactive measures, essential goods for the 2025 storm season have already been warehoused and can be quickly mobilized for transport to affected areas. Current reserves from businesses are valued at over VND 32 billion, including: 65,000 boxes of instant noodles; 350 tons of rice; 4,500 boxes of bottled drinking water; 300m3 of E5 gasoline; 300m3 of diesel fuel; 10m3 of kerosene; 2,000 corrugated iron roofing sheets; 1 ton of screws; and 9 tons of 2mm steel wire.

As a mountainous province with a fragile transportation network, Điện Biên often faces serious challenges during the rainy season. Its commercial enterprises are generally small in scale with limited financial capacity. To support disaster preparedness, the Department of Industry and Trade has proposed that both central and local governments offer 0% interest preferential loans to help commercial enterprises build emergency stockpiles, thereby easing the financial burden and encouraging proactive readiness.