OCOP program drives growth in Hanoi while Nghệ An faces market challenges

The One Commune One Product (OCOP) program is driving economic growth in Vietnam, though regions face varying levels of success regarding market stability and product diversity.

Hanoi has emerged as a leader in the program, boasting 3,531 OCOP products with 3 stars or higher. The city is successfully diversifying beyond agriculture into handicrafts, such as rattan and bamboo products. Support policies, including financial rewards for star ratings and assistance with packaging and branding, have encouraged local artisans and cooperatives to scale production and participate in trade fairs.

In contrast, Nghệ An province faces challenges in ensuring stable market outlets for its OCOP-certified products. Despite achieving quality certifications like VietGAP and 3-star OCOP ratings, local specialty items—such as Khe Ngau sweet melon and various ginger products—remain heavily dependent on middleman traders. These producers struggle with price volatility and preservation issues during peak harvest seasons, highlighting a need for more robust supply chain links and expanded market reach to fully realize the program's economic potential.