Vi Hoa Binh supermarket in Tan Thinh ward is one of the first established in Hoa Binh city, playing a key role in boosting the province’s overall retail sales.

In Q1 2025, Hoa Binh’s total retail sales and consumer service revenue reached an estimated 20.1 trillion VND (804 million USD), up 13.7% year-on-year, the highest in three years. This rebound in domestic consumption has spurred notable momentum across local trade and service sectors.

In the urban core of Hoa Binh city, a new model combining commercial and tourism streets is taking shape, with specialised shops, eateries, and beverage outlets replacing once-closed storefronts.

Transformation is also visible in rural areas. Cao Phong market, once known for small-scale, fragmented trading, now boasts dedicated One Commune, One Product (OCOP) item counters, QR code scanning points, and even cashless POS terminals. E-commerce is steadily taking root, as the province continues to operate its own digital marketplace, despite challenges related to seasonal supply and product diversity.

The province welcomed 1.65 million tourists in Q1 2025, a 5.8% rise year-on-year, generating 1.68 trillion VND in revenue. Particularly notable was the sharp rise in international visitors, reaching 230,000 arrivals, reflecting the early success of Hoa Bình’s outreach and promotional campaigns abroad.

Key programmes, such as the development of Hoa Binh Lake National Tourist Area, partnerships with Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, and digital transformation in travel and accommodation, have given the local service sector a powerful boost. Young entrepreneurs and ethnic communities are increasingly venturing into tourism with offerings like Muong village homestays and self-guided trekking tours.

Despite these gains, Hoa Binh still faces challenges, including a relatively small market size, limited logistics infrastructure, and underperforming e-commerce platforms. Nonetheless, the province is moving with clear intent. The local People’s Committee has released a 2025 tourism development plan and is preparing a support framework for 2026–2030, with a strong focus on digital transformation in consumption and trade.

Duong Quoc Thang, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Industry and Trade, stressed the need for a distinctive trade network and services rooted in local identity, designed first and foremost for Hoa Binh residents, before reaching outward to visitors and broader markets.