Ministry wants HCMC wholesale markets reopened

By Anh Minh July 21, 2021 | 08:50 pm PT

Vendors transport agriculture produce out of Hoc Mon wholesale market before it was closed June 28, 2021 due to Covid-19. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has called on HCMC authorities to reopen the city's three wholesale markets to increase food supply.

Binh Dien, Thu Duc and Hoc Mon markets, which have been closed for over two weeks after Covid-19 infections were discovered there, should be listed among "essential businesses" that are allowed to open during the social distancing period, it said.

The city Department of Industry and Trade said when the markets reopen their managers need to provide on-site accommodation for vendors and restrict visitors.

The three usually supply over 70 percent of the city’s foodstuff requirements.

The city now has 32 out of its 188 traditional markets open, but the Ministry of Industry and Trade wants more be reopened with social distancing measures imposed.

HCMC has recorded nearly 43,800 Covid-19 cases since April 27, when the latest wave began.