Affirming the brand of rural Vietnam

Rural industrial products represent not only economic value but also cultural depth and regional character. Each honored product reflects the skill, creativity, and persistence of artisans as traditional craft villages adapt to modern trends. From handicrafts and processed farm produce to rural machinery and consumer goods, these products embody the spirit of “preserving tradition, fostering innovation”.

Many have transcended local markets to reach international audiences, becoming symbols of Vietnam’s rural industry in its path toward sustainable development.

Speaking with Newspaper of Industry and Trade on the sidelines of the 2025 Rural Industrial Products Exhibition organized by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Dang Ngoc Phung, Director of Phung Hung Export Bamboo and Rattan Cooperative in Bac Ninh Province, said: “The exhibition is a valuable opportunity for us to promote our products and connect with both domestic and foreign partners. All our items are for export, and the Ministry of Industry and Trade has supported us with exhibition space, a meaningful form of assistance for small rural producers”.

Phung noted that the greatest benefit from these events lies not only in sales but in brand promotion. “We’ve signed many large contracts, created stable jobs, and improved incomes for our members. This is the motivation for preserving our craft and ensuring sustainable growth”, he said.

With years of export experience, Phung shared that while the domestic market for bamboo and rattan products remains modest, demand abroad is strong. “We mainly export to Europe, Russia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Taiwan (China), and recently, the United States. We also cooperate with other producers to meet large orders, which helps expand operations and maintain jobs for local workers,” he added.

He emphasized that support from the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Agency for Innovation, Green Transition and Industry Promotion, and the National Industry Promotion Program has given small cooperatives his greater momentum.

“Having a space to display and promote our products is a great encouragement. It’s not just a booth but an opportunity for our hometown products to reach international audiences. Thanks to programs organized by the Ministry and the industry promotion network, we have more chances to expand markets, connect partners, and strengthen the presence of Vietnam’s rural industrial products on the global stage,” Phung said.

From exhibition booths to global markets

Looking ahead, Phung expressed confidence that this year’s exhibition would continue to create new opportunities for cooperation, noting that many visitors had shown strong interest in the cooperative’s designs and product quality. He said these interactions were expected to lead to new partnerships, adding that Phung Hung Cooperative remained committed to innovation, improved quality, and sustainable production to ensure Vietnamese handicrafts appeal both domestically and internationally.

At the exhibition, visitor Tra Mi from Hanoi’s Kim Lien ward shared: “Bamboo and rattan weaving is not just a traditional craft but a symbol of Vietnamese creativity and diligence. Every product, from baskets and trays to lamps and furniture, carries cultural and aesthetic values.”

“In today’s globalized economy, bamboo and rattan have become high-value export goods, contributing to the growing recognition of the ‘Made in Vietnam’ brand in demanding markets,” she said.

According to Tra Mi, cooperatives like Phung Hung reflect the vitality of Vietnam’s modern rural industry, where tradition is preserved, yet production is increasingly professional, green, and aligned with global value chains.

“These rural industrial products not only create jobs and income but also preserve craftsmanship and cultural heritage. Each piece embodies both the spirit of tradition and the vision of a greener, more distinctive, and prosperous Vietnamese countryside,” she said.

In recent years, rural industrial products have infused new vitality into Vietnam’s traditional craft villages. With skilled hands and creative minds, artisans have brought their handmade products beyond village borders to both domestic and international markets. These products not only enhance local livelihoods but also inspire pride in traditional crafts, preserve cultural heritage, and foster the development of a green, sustainable economy.