Vietnamese OCOP products are now present in many countries around the world, helping to increase people's income and promote the image of Vietnamese culture and traditional crafts to international friends.

A bright spot in the rural economic outlook

In the over 200-year-old fish-sauce-making village of Hoang Phu Commune, Hoang Hoa District, Thanh Hoa Province, Le Gia fish sauce is a young brand that joined the condiment market eight years ago. 

With efforts and innovation based on the traditional experience, the Le Gia has established as a favourite brand among domestic and foreign consumers. 

Currently, Le Gia fish sauce products are available in most major supermarket chains nationally and has been exported to demanding markets such as the US, Australia, Singapore, New Zealand, Taiwan (China), Japan, and the Republic of Korea.

Le Anh, Director of Le Gia Food and Trading Services Co., Ltd., said that the company has exerted every effort to achieve the 5-star OCOP certification. The certification is not just a recognition but also a symbol of the good values of a product closely tied to the livelihood of the local community. 

He stressed that Le Gia's mission is to spread the value of a component that promotes the value chain of fishermen, salt farmers, and workers in fishing villages and to bring Vietnamese culinary culture to the world.

The company maintains stable production capacity with a workshop area spanning more than 13,000 square meters. For foreign markets, the company has an export code with full conditions to export via official channels to the EU, China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea.

In Bat Trang Commune, Gia Lam District, Hanoi, the Quang Vinh ceramics brand has also established its own prestige on the traditional pottery making craft.

According to Ha Thi Vinh, Director of Quang Vinh Ceramics Co., Ltd., the pottery making craft is a “father-to-son” tradition which has been preserved and transferred through many generations. 

To keep up with modern trends, improve product quality, and rationalise production costs, the company has developed a comprehensive business strategy.

Accordingly, family members of the company were sent abroad to study and learn how to create products with high technical and artistic qualities, and apply scientific advancements to production. 

Currently, 95% of Quang Vinh's products are exported to 30 countries worldwide, including a line of ultra-lightweight ceramics that have achieved 5-star OCOP certification.

For Quang Vinh Ceramics, building a reputable brand has not only helped in attracting more business partners but also in expanding production. The company's products meet the market preferences of consumers. By creating cultural and local identity differences in each product, the company takes a bigger step into the global market.

 

According to the Central Coordination Office for New-style Rural Development, 48 out of 79 5-star OCOP products, equivalent to 60.7%, have successfully entered demanding markets such as the US, Europe, and Japan. 

Key export items include vermicelli, instant bamboo shoots, fish sauce, coffee, macadamia nuts, cashews, dried durian, and dried lotus seeds, all of which have positive impacts on rural economic development.

Unlocking potential and opportunities for further development

The international presence of OCOP 5-star products not only demonstrates the increased ability of Vietnamese enterprises to scale up production and adapt to export conditions and standards. In addition, OCOP products contribute to promoting Vietnamese cultural values and identity.

According to Ngo Truong Son, Head of the Central Coordination Office for New-style Rural Development, the OCOP programme has had a positive and powerful impact on production development in rural areas, contributing to the transition from small-scale agricultural production into integrated value chains, ensuring stable raw material supplies.

Currently, 48.3% of OCOP businesses have established stable raw material areas linked in value chains, and 55.6% of OCOP products have seen price increases. This has created more jobs and promoted economic development, especially in difficult areas. 

 

Vietnam has huge potentials and diverse production conditions and cultures to develop products with distinctive regional values.

Results from surveys by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and the Ministry of Industry and Trade have shown a strong demand for OCOP products at international markets, especially from the Vietnamese communities in European and American countries.

After nearly two years of conducted market testing activities, the Central Coordination Office for New-style Rural Development has identified advantages and opportunities for OCOP products to gradually expand their export markets.

Currently, a number of Vietnamese OCOP products, especially 4-star and 5-star products, are capable of participating more deeply and strongly in export markets, becoming cultural ambassadors that convey and spread Vietnamese cultural values to international markets in the future.

To develop OCOP programme sustainably, localities have implemented many solutions to boost production, stimulate consumption, and enhance trade promotion.

Economic and agricultural experts also propose increasing regular inspections and supervision of OCOP products, even after receiving certificates, and resolutely withdrawing products that fail to meet safety and quality standards. This aims to enhance the responsibility of businesses, and ensure the credibility and reputation of OCOP products in the marketplace.

Source: Nhandan News