Sustainable consumption in digital era

Vietnam Consumer Rights Day (March 15) in 2026 carries the theme “Information safety – Building trust – Sustainable consumption.” In response to the event, Dong Nai has launched various practical initiatives to build a transparent and sustainable consumer environment.

Digital payment utilities are becoming increasingly common at supermarkets and shopping centers in Dong Nai. In the photo: Consumers make payments via QR code at Co.opmart Dong Xoai supermarket in Binh Phuoc ward. Photo: Hai Quan

Promoting green consumption and expanding digital utilities

In recent years, retail channels and supermarkets across Dong Nai have introduced numerous initiatives and programs to encourage green consumption and digital shopping habits.

Nguyen Quoc Minh, Director of Co.opmart Dong Xoai in Binh Phuoc ward, said the supermarket focuses on solutions to promote green consumption, digital payments, and better customer service. He said the supermarket ensures transaction safety, enhances transaction security, especially for online shopping, and also advises and guides consumers to shop smartly and safely in the digital environment.

In addition, the supermarket has encouraged green consumption by expanding the display and promotion of environmentally friendly products, as well as high-quality food and essential goods that are safe for consumers’ health. Efforts have also been made to reduce single-use plastic products. Together with the nationwide Co.opmart system, Co.opmart Dong Xoai encourages customers to use eco-friendly bags and paper bags when shopping. The supermarket also cooperates with partners and manufacturers, especially private-label brands, to gradually shift toward green production and environmentally friendly packaging.

Le Duc Thuan, Director of Lotte Mart Dong Nai in Long Binh ward, noted that omni-channel retailing is considered the future of Vietnam’s retail sector in general and Dong Nai province in particular. Lotte Mart aims to become a pioneering retailer in integrating omni-channel models, an approach that enhances convenience and improves the overall shopping experience for consumers in the digital age.

Meanwhile, the banking system in Dong Nai province has been paying increasing attention to expanding digital ecosystems with modern products and new payment methods that are safe, convenient, and beneficial for both residents and businesses. Nguyen Duc Lenh, Deputy Director of the State Bank of Vietnam’s Regional Branch 2, said the banking sector in Dong Nai has focused on introducing modern and user-friendly payment services that enhance security and reliability. Such efforts help promote the development of the digital economy while expanding access to digital banking services for both people and enterprises.

Toward smart consumption

Consumers are becoming more interested in smart, sustainable consumption, paying closer attention to products and services that are environmentally friendly throughout the entire lifecycle, from production and distribution to use.

For smart consumption models to expand and prove effective, long-term strategies with appropriate solutions are needed, particularly those that raise awareness and gradually change consumer purchasing habits across different residential communities.

As commodity markets grow increasingly diverse and complex, product traceability has become an essential solution rather than an unfamiliar concept. It enables consumers to accurately identify the origin of products. Essentially, traceability allows each product to be monitored and identified throughout every stage of the supply chain. Through this solution, consumers can trace a product’s journey backward, from store shelves to its original production site, passing through key stages such as processing, storage, and transportation. Such transparency helps eliminate anonymous products while reinforcing the credibility of legitimate producers and businesses.

Le Tuyet Mai, a resident of Tran Bien ward, said that as living standards rise, modern consumers are no longer simply buying a product, but also buying "peace of mind". Consumers are becoming increasingly demanding, requiring every detail related to quality and processes to be publicly disclosed and transparent.

“In my view, applying traceability is both a responsibility and an opportunity for domestic enterprises to strengthen competitiveness and build a solid position amid pressure from imported products. We are also looking forward to the early implementation of Circular No. 11/2026/TT-BCT issued by the Ministry of Industry and Trade on food traceability. It will provide an important legal push to ensure that consumers truly benefit from their legitimate rights and feel more confident when choosing essential food products for their daily meals,” Mai said.

Nguyen Quoc Minh added that Co.opmart Dong Xoai has strengthened efforts to build consumer trust by ensuring food safety and improving product quality through a strict three-stage control process covering input sources, suppliers, and retail operations. The supermarket applies high standards to food products, vegetables, fruits, and seafood, while maintaining strict inspection of incoming goods. It also updates its internal quality standards in line with modern consumption trends, enhances the freshness of agricultural products and food, proactively secures supply sources, develops raw material areas, and guides suppliers toward sustainable production to stabilize both quality and prices.

The Dong Nai provincial People’s Committee has issued Plan No. 53/KH-UBND on organizing communication activities in response to Vietnam Consumer Rights Day 2026 in the province. Under the plan, the activities are intended to call for, mobilize, and encourage the participation of state agencies, social organizations, businesses, and consumers in consumer protection efforts, thereby helping build a healthy business and consumption environment and creating momentum for the province’s socio-economic development.

The plan also aims to raise awareness and the sense of responsibility among authorities at all levels, sectors, socio-political organizations, enterprises, and residents across the province regarding consumer rights protection.

Activities supporting consumer rights will be encouraged throughout 2026, with a particular focus on March, the peak month, as well as major holidays, promotional campaigns, shopping seasons, and other high-demand consumption periods.

Under the provincial plan, activities in response to Vietnam Consumer Rights Day 2026 will focus on communication campaigns, programs promoting understanding and interaction between businesses and consumers, and consultation and support services to address consumer complaints.

By Hai Quan – Translated by M.Nguyet, Minho