Thai Corporation International, a joint venture between Thai company Berli Jucker (BJC) and Mongkol Group, plans a move into Vietnam’s retail market.

TCI, which has been distributing Thai products in Vietnam since 2010, plans to open supermarket chains in the country.

“The supermarkets will be a channel for goods produced by small and medium-sized enterprises to access overseas markets,” said Mongkol Banthrarungroj, vice-chairman and MD of Thai Corporation International.

Thai Corporation International will invest 1 billion baht (US$32.2 million) in the supermarkets which will sell 30 per cent Vietnamese products and 70 per cent Thai products.

Banthrarungroj said Thai products are popular among Vietnamese. Huge volumes were sold during a recent Thai Trade Fair in Ho Chi Minh City.

TCI is also interested in opening convenience stores, said Banthrarungroj.

GB