Chairman of TCC Thailand, billionaire Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi has revealed a plan to merge Metro Vietnam to Big C Thailand, according to Investment Newspaper online.

TCC Group is the biggest shareholder of BigC Thailand with 97.94% shares. BigC is the Thai leading food retailer and real estate business with more than 700 trading units, including 125 grand supermarkets.

Meanwhile Mega Market Vietnam (official name of Metro Vietnam as from July 2016) has 19 wholesale centres across the country, two entrepots to distribute fruit and vegetables in Lam Dong province and fresh fish in Can Tho province and two office stationeries in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

Sirivadhanabhakdi’s plan to merge Metro Vietnam to Big C Thailand will create a new power for TCC in the region.

His commitment to introduce Vietnamese goods to regional markets was realised in early July after TCC shipped more than 100 tons of dragon fruits to Big C Thailand. Currently, TCC is seeking suppliers of other farm produce like avocado, orange, star-apple and sweet potato.

After eight months managing Metro, TCC has accelerated agricultural projects and supported farmers in selecting varieties and harvesting according to VietGap.

Mega Market Vietnam is planing to invest in Thailand to expand its wholesale network there, Mr Sirivadhanabhakdi said.

Sirivadhanabhakdi said Vietnam remains his special destination. “We believe in our decision on development plans on the Vietnam market,” he shared.

Vietnam was chosen as TCC’s destination for its industrious workers, government’s care and good water resources for agricultural development, Mr Sirivadhanabhakdi said.

The group is working with Vietnamese producers to export more products to Thailand through TCC, he concluded.

VOV