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Many Middle Eastern Retail Giants Coming to Ho Chi Minh City to Seek Vietnamese Suppliers
Leading names such as Lulu Hypermarket (UAE), Al Othaim Markets (Saudi Arabia), Choithrams, and Citi Hypermarkets (Kuwait) will be present in person at Vietnam International Sourcing 2025, scheduled to take place from 4–6 September 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City.
According to the Foreign Market Development Agency under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, major retail and distribution groups across the Middle East are actively searching for high-quality Vietnamese goods.

These enterprises are showing strong interest in product groups such as tropical fresh fruit and vegetables, organic products meeting GAP and Halal standards; processed foods including snacks, frozen seafood and spices; consumer and household goods such as plastic and wooden items and eco-friendly products; as well as textiles, apparel, scarves and premium accessories.
Vietnam International Sourcing 2025 will serve as a direct bridge between Vietnamese suppliers and strategic buyers from the Middle East. This is a prime opportunity for Vietnamese enterprises to present products directly to leaders of major distribution chains, secure long-term export contracts and expand their footprint in a region with high purchasing power and strong growth potential.
The Middle East is currently one of the world’s most dynamic import markets, with annual import value estimated at over USD 1.2 trillion. With a population of more than 400 million, high income per capita and a large young demographic, the region has significant demand for agricultural products, processed foods, consumer goods and environmentally friendly products. GCC countries, in particular, rely on imports for 80–90% of their food needs—creating substantial opportunities for Vietnamese exporters.
Lulu Hypermarket (UAE) is a leading retail group in the GCC region. The chain is renowned for its diverse sourcing and strong focus on Halal-certified products. With a representative office in Ho Chi Minh City, Lulu is seeking Vietnamese supplies of fruit, vegetables, seafood, processed foods and various other high-quality items, with priority placed on stable, long-term sourcing.
Al Othaim Markets (Saudi Arabia) is one of the kingdom’s largest retail systems, with hundreds of large supermarkets and stores. The company places strong emphasis on fresh food, fast-moving consumer goods and household products. It is actively looking for Vietnamese partners providing premium agricultural goods, processed foods, dried items, spices and durable household products.
Citi Hypermarkets (Kuwait) is a dynamic retail brand expanding rapidly across GCC countries. Known for integrating brick-and-mortar retail with e-commerce, the chain focuses on convenient food products, household goods and visually appealing consumer items. Citi is exploring Vietnamese sources for processed agricultural goods, dried foods, spices and quality consumer goods. Notably, Suma Group, one of Citi’s key sourcing partners, has significant demand for Vietnamese fresh and dried fruits.
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