Hanoi Enhances OCOP Products through Sustainable Value Chain Development

Local special and distinctive products will thrive and achieve substantial growth when integrated into a strong value chain, and Hanoi is actively pursuing this approach.

Hanoi aims to develop distinctive products linked to local raw material sources and geographical indications

The One Commune One Product (OCOP) program has significantly advanced Hanoi's key products, fostering a fundamental transition from traditional agricultural practices to sustainable value chain integration.

Over more than four years of dedicated effort, Hanoi has evaluated and certified a total of 2,711 OCOP products. This includes six five-star products, 12 potential five-star products, 1,473 four-star products, and 1,220 three-star products. This achievement positions Hanoi as a leader in the development of the OCOP program nationwide.

Nguyen Van Chi, Standing Deputy Chief of the Hanoi Coordination Office for New Rural Development, said that Hanoi’s policy is clear. That is to develop distinctive products linked to local raw material sources and geographical indications, such as Quang Vinh ceramics, My Duc mulberry, Ba Vi milk and Dong Anh vegetables.

Through comprehensive reviews, ongoing monitoring, and annual inspections of OCOP entities, and consultations with experts from the Central Coordination Office for New Rural Development, Hanoi has identified several products that could qualify as potential five-star products in 2024 and 2025. These include products from craft and traditional villages that meet five-star criteria, such as stable raw material sources, large production scales, adherence to environmental regulations, trademark registration, advanced quality certifications (ISO/GMP/HACCP), and suitability for export to Southeast Asia, the US, Japan and the EU.

The OCOP program has triggered comprehensive changes, particularly in economic aspects, with revenues for products rated 3 stars or higher increasing by 8% annually. The Hanoi Coordination Office for New Rural Development has organized many activities to boost trade and consumption of OCOP products. These include events like the 2023 OCOP Products Week in Bac Tu Liem and Long Bien districts, featuring around 50 booths from 43 enterprises and cooperatives across Hanoi and 18 other provinces. Additionally, the introduction of OCOP products linked to the culture of northern mountainous provinces showcased over 100 booths with approximately 2,000 OCOP products and regional specialties from Hanoi and 15 northern provinces.

Hanoi has established 85 points introducing and promoting OCOP products. The city also regularly organizes events, fairs, seminars, and trade connections to support product promotion and trade, including product weeks designed to help entities showcase OCOP products to the public. As a result, OCOP products and regional specialties are increasingly recognized for their quality, packaging, and variety, while also ensuring food safety and hygiene. Additionally, efforts are being made to integrate OCOP products with craft village tourism and rural tourism.

However, it is noted that some relevant units have not yet fully focused on "upgrading" to meet both quantity and quality standards. Upgrading from 3-star to 4-star status requires meeting strict standards, including trade promotion linked to geographical indications, chain integration, market access, and clear product origins. These criteria are challenging for many potential entities, which often have limited resources, small scales, and a primary focus on local markets.

Hanoi will continue to prioritize training for managers and participants in the OCOP program. Entities with OCOP products, as recognized by the Hanoi People's Committee, must focus on maintaining and enhancing product quality, design, and packaging while strengthening value chain linkages. Distribution channels including shopping malls, supermarkets, safe agricultural and food stores, handicraft shops, OCOP product introduction and sales points, e-commerce platforms, and online sales should intensify trade connections and consumer outreach. This will help ensure that consumers both domestically and internationally recognize and engage with OCOP products, as affirmed by Mr. Nguyen Van Chi.

By Bao Dan, Vietnam Business Forum