According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE), Vietnam now boasts over 16,000 OCOP-certified products, more than three times the number recorded in 2020.
Despite this impressive growth, fewer than 0.5% of OCOP products have attained the prestigious five-star rating, a distinction awarded only to the highest-quality, most authentic offerings.
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Super-thin rice paper made by Tan Nhien Co., Ltd., Tay Ninh province, a five-star OCOP product, is packaged for distribution in both domestic and international markets. |
MAE Deputy Minister Tran Thanh Nam said the OCOP program is more than just a tool to boost agricultural consumption. It serves as a critical platform for small-scale households, cooperatives, and traditional artisans to build brands and expand their reach to both domestic and international markets.
He underscored that the program is being implemented with a commitment to quality over quantity.
“We are not chasing numbers or following trends. Our goal is to cultivate distinctive, high-value products that reflect the identity and spirit of their homeland,” he said.
The Deputy Minister emphasized the importance of packaging, describing it as a product’s first impression. Thoughtful design, he noted, can evoke a strong sense of place, especially for those far from home.
He likened the OCOP movement to a quiet yet steady current of local specialties, certified, traceable, and rich in cultural value.
According to the Deputy Minister, this current originates in rural villages, rooted in traditional craftsmanship, and is gradually flowing into broader domestic and international markets.
To ensure transparency and fairness, he called for strict, objective evaluation standards, particularly in light of the recent reorganization of the National OCOP Council.
“Each star awarded must be well-deserved, it serves not only as official recognition but also as a passport to the market,” he said.
In an era of growing consumer demand for authenticity and traceability, OCOP products distinguish themselves through their verified origin, standardized packaging, and strong regional character.
“This is a subtle yet powerful competitive edge that not every product can claim,” he added.
The program not only boosts rural incomes but also serves as a catalyst for transforming cultural values into economic assets, laying a solid foundation for the next phase of the national target program on new rural development.
Nam reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to elevating OCOP products, expressing his hope that more of them will secure a strong presence in international markets.
He also underscored the key objectives set forth by the Prime Minister, which include developing stable raw material zones, fostering the involvement of businesses and cooperatives, applying science and technology, building strong brands, and ensuring accessible credit for producers.
Between November 2024 and April 2025, the council received 82 product submissions, primarily comprising food items, along with handicrafts, medicinal products, and one community-based tourism service, all showcasing strong local identity.
A total of 20 provinces and cities participated in the evaluation process, including first-time contributors such as Bac Lieu, Quang Binh, Yen Bai, Tuyen Quang, and Binh Dinh. Many of the submissions reflected regional strengths and the presence of centralized raw material zones, underscoring the OCOP program’s role in fostering rural culture and creativity.
Source: VNA