On November 29, the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Ho Chi Minh City organized a Workshop to promote the development of the OCOP value chain, connect consumption and promote local product brands in Vung Tau ward, Ho Chi Minh City.
Speaking at the workshop, Mr. Nguyen Van Da - Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Ho Chi Minh City - said that in the past, the program of one OCOP product for each commune has played an important role in developing the rural economy, promoting innovation and digital transformation in agricultural production.
"The workshop was organized to connect knowledge, share experiences and create value in the production - processing - distribution - consumption chain. The content of the presentations presented by experts will be compiled to advise the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee to develop appropriate and practical support policies for OCOP products in the area," Mr. Da emphasized.
Mr. Nguyen Minh Tien - Director of the Agricultural Trade Promotion Center - commented that, from a commercial perspective, the key to raising the level of OCOP products is changing thinking. According to Mr. Tien, many OCOP products are currently unlikely to compete directly with the products of large corporations. Therefore, it is necessary to create a difference in brand, image and quality, spreading product value through stories.
"Each product is a crystallization of culture, tradition and the passion of the creator. Therefore, stories about products must be told in truth, with pride and with standardization in every detail. In addition, building a brand is not only about marketing, but it is necessary to aim for the journey to bring local values far," said Mr. Tien.
Ms. Bui Thi Luu Ly - Deputy Director of the Center for Consulting and Support for Agricultural Economic Shaping (HCMC Department of Industry and Trade) - said that HCMC is a potential market, with a series of retail systems, supermarkets and shopping centers. However, if OCOP products do not meet standards, it will not be easy to exploit.
"Although some systems currently have separate display areas for OCOP products, most of the products have not been entered into supermarkets or e-commerce platforms. There are many reasons from the fact that the content, packaging, information traceability and marketing of the subject are still limited...", Ms. Ly said.
Some representatives of the subjects also shared practical stories, the journey to elevate, spread the image, quality and brand of the product. "The brand is not formed in one day but is nurtured by stable quality, kindness and national identity" - Mr. Nguyen Cao Thang - an OCOP subject shared.
