Hà Nội’s OCOP products set sights on global markets

The display of Vietnamese products at the 27th International Handicrafts Fair, Artigiano, held at the Exhibition Centre in Milan (Italy). — Photo courtesy of Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

HÀ NỘI — After more than five years, the 'One Commune, One Product' (OCOP) programme has shown its effectiveness, contributing to the increase in income for Hà Nội's residents. Beyond just conquering the domestic market, many of Hà Nội's OCOP products are striving to establish their brand and quality on the international stage.

Lê Văn Tám, who worked as a farmer abroad, gained 11 years of experience in agriculture in South Korea before returning to Việt Nam and deciding to start a high-tech agricultural business. In 2016, he established the Sông Hồng Agricultural Services Co-operative in Đại Mạch Commune, Đông Anh District, Hà Nội, with an area of 1,500 sq.m.

Speaking about the ECOS vegetable straws, which have been rated as OCOP 5-star, Lê Văn Tám shared that the co-operative has researched and produced straws from clean vegetables grown organically.

After three years, the production process was perfected and the cooperative registered its brand and met export standards. The high-quality ECOS vegetable straws have since secured a solid market position, enabling the co-operative to export to South Korea, the UK and Germany.

Located in the key dairy farming area of Hà Nội, Ba Vì Farm Milk Joint Stock Company in Vân Hòa Commune, Ba Vì District, has had 14 products certified as OCOP since 2020.

Nguyễn Thị Mai, the company’s director, stated that since obtaining the certification, the business has received support from Hà Nội's authorities to establish production processes. Their dairy products are now sold nationwide and have even reached markets in Laos and Cambodia.

Nguyễn Văn Chí, Deputy Chief of the Standing Office of the Coordination Office for New Rural Development Programme of Hà Nội City. — Photo courtesy of Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

Nguyễn Văn Chí, Deputy Chief of the Hà Nội New-Style Rural Development Programme Coordination Office, said: "To date, Hà Nội has 2,711 OCOP products, making it a leading example nationwide in implementing the OCOP programme. Notably, Hà Nội’s OCOP products have established themselves in the domestic market and have begun to expand globally."

While there are no specific statistics, many of Hà Nội's 4-5 star OCOP products, such as Quang Vinh Ceramic Company's ceramics (Gia Lâm District), Minh Dương Food Company’s vermicelli (Hoài Đức District) and Phú Vinh’s bamboo and rattan products (Chương Mỹ District), have been exported to dozens of countries.

Chí affirmed that Hà Nội's OCOP products have the potential to compete in international markets. The city's aim of bringing OCOP products to global markets has been exemplified by the participation of eight handicraft enterprises in the Italian market in December 2023.

Hà Nội also collaborated with the European Union and Swedish partners to design products that meet European and global consumer tastes. The city has also signed agreements to integrate its craft villages into the global craft city network, attracting foreign partners to connect and distribute Vạn Phúc silk products.

Barbara Ebbli, a representative of MILAIKA Company, visits a silk production workshop in Vạn Phúc Silk Village, Hà Đông District (Hà Nội), to establish production and distribution connections for Vạn Phúc silk products. — Photo courtesy of Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

To further integrate Hà Nội’s OCOP products into international markets, Chí suggested that Hà Nội needs to continue supporting OCOP entities in refining production processes, enhancing product quality and focusing on product design.

Additionally, trade promotion activities should be intensified to help OCOP products become strong brands recognised and consumed by both domestic and international customers. Hà Nội aspires for its OCOP products to represent not only the capital, but also to lead the way for Việt Nam in global markets.

Overview of the booth by the Vietnam Trade Office in Australia and the Hà Nội trade promotion delegation at the Foodservice Australia 2024 Expo in Sydney in May 2024. — Photo courtesy of Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

Nguyễn Minh Tiến, Director of the Agricultural Trade Promotion Centre, said that Hà Nội’s OCOP products, having secured a strong domestic market presence, are fully capable of reaching global markets. He encouraged OCOP entities to differentiate their products, understand global consumer psychology and needs and produce what the market demands rather than what they have. Therefore, it is crucial for traditional craft villages and OCOP entities to interact with global markets to apply appropriate production techniques.

In 2024, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has selected some exemplary OCOP products for export promotion. The Agricultural Trade Promotion Centre will collaborate with various agencies to train companies in business management, product design, packaging, market positioning and opening sales channels.

Hà Nội currently boasts 2,711 OCOP products, a shining example and leader in the country for implementing the One Commune One Product (OCOP) programme. — Photo courtesy of Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

This article is published in coordination with the Hà Nội New-Style Rural Development Programme Coordination Office.