Supply and demand out of sync

Along national highway 279 in Mường Thanh ward (formerly Thanh Xương commune, Điện Biên district, Điện Biên province), street vending has become routine. Everything from meat and fish to vegetables and fruit is sold directly on sidewalks, while buyers park along the road. Each morning and evening, the stretch turns into a bustling makeshift market.

But as a national highway with heavy traffic, especially large trucks, the situation poses serious safety risks for vendors, buyers, and motorists. Locals say the root cause is simple: demand is high, but no official market has been built in the area.

Even at Noong Bua market in Mường Thanh ward, which was built on a larger scale, the picture isn’t much brighter. The official market is surrounded by unlicensed vendors who set up stalls on nearby streets and behind the market, especially during the afternoon rush.

Local authorities regularly send patrols to restore order, but as soon as they leave, vendors return. The core problem, officials acknowledge, is limited capacity inside the market compared with strong demand. For many families, street selling remains the only way to make a living.

Meanwhile, several newly built markets remain nearly deserted. C13 market in Điện Biên Phủ ward (formerly Thanh Trường ward), inaugurated in December 2023 with 120 kiosks and a 420-square-meter outdoor space, has seen only about 10 tenants sign leases, with fewer than a third actually operating. Similar situations have been reported across rural communes and even at some of the province’s largest markets, such as Trung tâm 1 market.

Policy shift opens new opportunities

Previously, under Decree No.02/2003/ND-CP and Decree No.114/2009/ND-CP, state budget investment in markets was restricted to certain categories and locations. As a result, many state-funded markets have deteriorated without upgrades, while local authorities capable of funding improvements faced regulatory barriers.

The newly issued Decree No.60/2024/ND-CP removes those constraints, allowing provinces to use public funds to build or upgrade all market types, including categories 1, 2, and 3. The change opens the door to more flexible investment, helping localities modernize market networks while ensuring food safety and consumer protection.

In Điện Biên, several new projects are already underway, from trade centers in the provincial capital to markets in rural communes. These investments are gradually completing the distribution system and improving the circulation of goods.

This reality has been proven in several communes across the province, where rural markets have begun to generate returns after investment. A case in point is Mường Ảng commune. Recognizing the basic needs and habits of the majority, the local authorities (formerly Mường Ảng district) planned and invested in building a central market on a plot of land of nearly 14,000 square meters. Put into operation in November 2020, the market has since become a bustling hub of trade, meeting the needs of local residents.

What makes this community market especially attractive is its accessibility, shoppers can enter and exit through multiple gates. Inside, the layout is open and airy, with wide passageways. People can even bring their motorbikes directly into the market to shop without having to leave them outside. In addition, the local authorities introduced a policy granting six months of free stall rentals to vendors, aimed at attracting businesses and creating opportunities for them to grow.

Today Điện Biên has 41 traditional markets in operation, alongside three trade centers, three supermarkets of categorie 3, 10 Winmart outlets, 14 convenience stores, and 38 specialty shops. This emerging retail network provides a foundation for consumer services.

To improve oversight, the provincial Department of Industry and Trade has drafted regulations clearly defining responsibilities for market management, operation hours, vendor obligations, fire safety, security, sanitation, and food safety.

As experience in both Vietnam and abroad shows, traditional markets remain indispensable. For Điện Biên, sustainable progress will require not only effective policy and investment but also adaptation from small traders themselves, embracing change while preserving the markets’ essential role in community life.