Under the theme “Information safety - Trust building - Sustainable consumption,” this year’s program concretizes the consistent policies and orientations of the Party and the State in fostering a transparent and safe business environment. It affirms that safeguarding the legitimate rights of consumers and strengthening market trust are fundamental pillars for sustainable economic development.

The ceremony was attended by representatives of the National Assembly’s Committee for Science, Technology and Environment, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the People’s Committee of Khanh Hoa Province, the British Embassy in Vietnam, the Khanh Hoa Department of Industry and Trade, the Vietnam Consumer Protection Association (VICOPRO), local departments and agencies, as well as consumer protection associations, organizations, business communities, media agencies, and thousands of citizens.

Three Pillars of action in the digital era

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan highlighted the issuance of Conclusion No. 207-KL/TW by the Secretariat on November 10, 2025, which continues the implementation of Directive No. 30-CT/TW dated January 22, 2019. This conclusion reaffirms that consumer protection is a long-term strategic task closely linked to economic growth and social stability. The Law on Protection of Consumers’ Rights 2023 has formally institutionalized Vietnam Consumers’ Rights Day, transforming it from a communication activity into an annual legal mechanism to mobilize the entire political system, business community, and society.

The theme aligns with current market trends, focusing on three key pillars: (1) ensuring safety, transparency, and protection of consumer information; (2) strengthening trust among businesses, the State, and consumers; and (3) promoting responsible consumption through energy efficiency to ensure national energy security and sustainable development.

Deputy Minister emphasized that, in the current context, state management agencies must clearly define responsibilities at all levels and integrate consumer protection into socio-economic development plans, digital transformation, green transition, and energy-saving programs.

For the business community, consumer trust is vital for survival. Protecting consumers requires not only compliance with the law but also ethical commitments and responsible business culture. Enterprises should invest in quality and safety, listen to and address complaints effectively, and place consumers at the center of all production and business activities.

For consumers, while they have the right to safety, information, and to be heard, they also bear the responsibility to seek information, choose products with clear origins, and practice sustainable consumption. In particular, the Deputy Minister called for greater responsibility in using energy efficiently.

Addressing the event, Ta Dinh Thi, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly’s Committee for Science, Technology and Environment, urged authorities, especially Khanh Hoa Province as the host to tighten management of e-commerce transactions and strictly handle fraud and information security violations. As a leading coastal tourism hub, the province should take the lead in building a safe and civilized consumer environment.

He also called on businesses, particularly in tourism and hospitality, to treat consumers as “customers first” not merely in slogans but through service quality, transparency, and environmental responsibility. Consumer protection organizations and media agencies were encouraged to continue acting as strong voices defending legitimate consumer rights.

“Each of us, as consumers, should be informed, responsible, and speak up when our rights are violated. Every voice raised not only protects ourselves but also contributes to a cleaner and more civilized market,” he stressed.

Trinh Minh Hoang, Vice Chairman of the Khanh Hoa People’s Committee, reaffirmed the province’s commitment to building a transparent business environment with consumers at its core in the digital economy. He called on local departments to strengthen oversight and enforcement, while urging businesses to adopt technology, enhance business ethics, and ensure data protection. Citizens were encouraged to act as “smart consumers,” choosing sustainable products and proactively defending their rights.

Phung Cong Suong, Editor-in-Chief of Tien Phong Newspaper, noted that the 2026 event marks the 10th anniversary of Vietnam Consumers’ Rights Day, contributing to greater market transparency and civility. In the context of implementing the 2023 law, he emphasized placing consumers at the center of development. Amid rising risks in e-commerce, data privacy breaches, and information fraud, the newspaper reaffirmed its role in raising awareness and strengthening market trust through communication and outreach activities.

Alex Smith, British Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City and Trade Director for Vietnam, affirmed that the United Kingdom is a long-term and trusted partner in enhancing Vietnam’s consumer protection framework and building a safe market. She highlighted positive progress in bilateral cooperation, particularly through memoranda signed in 2025, supporting mechanisms such as product safety alerts, recalls, and communication efforts. She expressed confidence that continued cooperation would deliver practical outcomes, enhance market trust, and promote sustainable development in Vietnam.

Affirming commitment to consumer protection

The highlight of the ceremony was the official launch ritual for Vietnam Consumers’ Rights Day 2026, held at April 2 Square. Leaders from the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the National Assembly’s Committee for Science, Technology and Environment, the People’s Committee of Khanh Hoa Province, the National Competition Commission, the Vietnam Consumer Protection Association, Tien Phong Newspaper, and KOL representatives participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Following the ceremony and celebratory fireworks, nationwide response activities were officially launched. Beyond its symbolic meaning, the event demonstrated unified direction and strong commitment from authorities at all levels to effectively implement consumer protection policies, focusing on information safety, market trust, and sustainable consumption. It conveyed a powerful message of respect for the rule of law and collective responsibility, contributing to a healthy market and strengthening the economy’s internal capacity in a new development era.

The power of 1,000 unified steps

Immediately after the launch ceremony, a large-scale run took place at April 2 Square, attracting over 1,000 participants, including leaders, business representatives, and local residents.

This activity symbolized collective commitment to consumer protection. Each participant along the coastal route sent a strong message: protecting consumer rights is a shared responsibility of all organizations and citizens. The image of runners in green, symbolizing green consumption and sustainable development created a powerful ripple effect, reinforcing the determination to build a transparent and trustworthy market.

From Nha Trang to nationwide momentum

While the event in Nha Trang concluded, its impact continues to spread through experiential spaces featuring safe, green, and sustainable products, as well as consumer advisory booths. These spaces have evolved into a “micro trust ecosystem,” where citizens are not merely visitors but active participants, equipped with knowledge on data protection and smart consumption. Such direct engagement transforms legal provisions into tangible trust and awareness into voluntary action.

The event’s message  “Information safety - Trust building - Sustainable consumption” will continue to expand across 34 provinces and cities, creating a unified force in protecting consumer rights from the early months of the year.

More than a ceremonial event, it marks the beginning of a sustained and decisive action campaign by state authorities and the business community. With the goal of bringing the law into everyday life, 2026 is expected to witness substantive progress in establishing a transparent business environment, ensuring data safety in the digital space, and promoting energy efficiency. The collective responsibility and cooperation of society will serve as the foundation for a sustainable consumer market, contributing to Vietnam’s steady economic advancement in the new era.