The signing of a cooperation agreement for the 2026 - 2030 period between the Association of Vietnam Retailers (AVR) and the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) opens up opportunities for access to advanced governance models, modern technologies and international service standards.

Sharing modern models

On March 4 in Hanoi, AVR and NACS held a ceremony to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the 2026 - 2030 period.

The agreement, concluded on a voluntary basis and in accordance with each party’s functions, mandates and legal frameworks, aims to promote sustainable retail development, deepen international integration, enhance the capacity of the retail sector and build a long-term cooperative relationship between the Vietnamese and US retail communities.

Under the MoU, the two associations will intensify exchanges of experience in managing and operating modern retail systems; cooperate in human resource training; share solutions on digital transformation, technology application and innovation; and promote green, sustainable retail development centered on consumers.

Specifically, the cooperation will enable Vietnamese retail enterprises to assess their operations against domestic regulations and international practices; gain access to advanced convenience store models; improve training quality and workforce development; accelerate digital and green transformation in business operations; and develop annual reports on Vietnam’s retail sector.

Notably, the two sides also agreed to support trade promotion activities, connect Vietnamese enterprises with convenience store systems in the US and NACS member networks, and share experience in integrating fuel stations, charging stations and convenience stores to increase revenue streams and value-added services.

Speaking at the ceremony, Tran Thi Phuong Lan, Chairwoman of AVR, emphasized that amid global economic volatility, the retail sector and convenience store model are playing an increasingly important role in meeting modern consumer demand for convenience, transparency and sustainability. Vietnam, she noted, is a dynamic market with rapid urbanization, a young population and diverse consumption needs, while the US boasts one of the world’s most developed retail industries, particularly in governance, technology, supply chains and service standards.

“Today’s agreement marks an important milestone, reflecting our shared determination to strengthen connectivity, exchange experience and pursue sustainable development in distribution and retail between Vietnam and the US,” she said.

She also expressed confidence that the MoU would serve as a foundation for implementing concrete, effective and long-term cooperation programs, delivering tangible benefits to members, enterprises and consumers.

Putting consumers at the center

On behalf of NACS, Dr. Henry Armour, Honorary Chairman and International Executive Director, said that over the past year the two associations had maintained numerous constructive exchanges and dialogues, laying the groundwork for a deeper phase of cooperation. According to Armour, the global retail and convenience store industry is undergoing rapid transformation under the impact of digital technology and evolving consumer trends, requiring representative organizations to proactively share experience, leverage technological advances and foster innovation.

“We can talk a great deal about growth or digital transformation, but the most important point is that we do not serve ourselves; we serve the people of our respective countries,” Armour stressed.

Highlighting that retail and convenience stores are among the sectors most closely connected to people’s daily lives, he underscored that the mission of both associations is to help improve quality of life through convenient services. He expressed confidence that the partnership would extend beyond short-term initiatives toward a long-term vision beyond 2030, focusing on technological innovation, expanded trade and increased business opportunities, with the overarching goal of serving customers and communities.

Representing the state management authority, Bui Nguyen Anh Tuan, Deputy Director of the Domestic Market Management and Development Agency under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, welcomed the signing of the agreement, describing it as an important milestone in strengthening connectivity, experience-sharing and sustainable development in the distribution and retail sector.

According to Tuan, a modern retail system must be built on trust in product quality, clear origin traceability, transparent pricing and a healthy competitive environment. This is also the responsibility of regulatory authorities in maintaining market order, protecting consumer rights and combating smuggling, trade fraud and counterfeit goods.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade supports and encourages the implementation of cooperation in a substantive manner, with specific objectives and clear value creation for enterprises and consumers.

“In the coming period, we will focus particularly on promoting five long-term outcomes: improving governance capacity and professional standards; developing human resources; strengthening digital transformation and data capabilities; advancing sustainable retail and green logistics; and reinforcing market discipline,” he said.

Amid rapid urbanization, shifting consumer behavior and the expansion of the middle class, convenience retail and neighborhood-based retail channels are expected to play an increasingly important role in the structure of the domestic market. However, he emphasized that expanding the number of outlets must go hand in hand with improving governance quality, service standards, technology adoption and supply chain efficiency.

On the sidelines of the event, AVR organized site visits for the NACS delegation to survey several modern retail models in Vietnam, including the WinCommerce system, MM Mega Market and integrated fuel station, convenience store electric charging station models. Following the field visits, the US side expressed high regard for Vietnam’s pace of development, technological adaptability and market potential.