In two recent weeks, the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak has disrupted trade activity in Da Nang. The gloomy trading ambience has been seen at many shops, supermarkets and commercial centres across the city amid growing concerns over the new virus.

Visitors at the Han Market

According to Mr Nguyen Trung Thanh, Head of the Management Board of the Han Market - one of the most-visited places in the city, after the Tet festival, the market has seen a 80% decline in shoppers compared with the same period last year.

In a similar vein, visitor arrivals to the traditional Con and Dong Da markets have gone down by 30%, especially domestic visitors.

Head of the Management Board of the Hoa Cuong Wholesale Market Diep Hoang Thong Anh remarked the market has halted its imports of fruits and vegetables from China due to the coronavirus outbreak in this country.

Therefore, the Hoa Cuong Wholesale Market has sourced a large volume of vegetables and fruits from Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Noi, Lam Dong, Gia Lai, Hai Duong and some southern localities of Viet Nam in order to ensure the efficient supply for local residents. However, the purchasing power of local consumers at the market has still remained weak.

Meanwhile, some retailers operating in the city are planning to lay off employees, and halt the opening of their new outlets.

The K.Mart on Pham Van Dong Street in Son Tra District is a typical exmaple. The mini supermarket specialises in selling food, beverage and soft drinks which all are imported directly from South Korea.

The mini supermarket’s manager said despite a significant decrease in the number of shoppers in recent time, his supermarket has still maintained its operation. However, the opening of new outlet of the supermarket also on the Pham Van Dong Street has been suspended.

The Son Tra District-based FM3 Dony company, which specialises in selling products made from noni fruits, is still facing the similar situation.

The company’s Director N.T.K.Dung said her products are preferred by South Korean and Chinese tourists. Maybe, her company will halt its operation in case of the continuous travel and business disruptions due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

Meanwhile, the owner of the Leewon souvenir shop has asked his employees to take unpaid leave amid coronavirus fallout.

By KHANH HOA - Translated by MAI DUNG