Vietnam leverages indigenous culture to expand agricultural exports

Vietnam is leveraging indigenous advantages and cultural identity to expand the international market presence of its agricultural products. Experts note that products from ethnic minority and mountainous regions possess significant potential due to their natural origins, nutritional value, and unique cultural stories, such as ancient Shan Tuyet tea. The growing global trend toward green and sustainable consumption provides a strategic opening for organic and nature-based products.

In Phu Tho province, the ‘One Commune, One Product’ (OCOP) program has significantly impacted the rural economy. Over the 2021-2025 period, the province recognized 696 OCOP products with 3 stars or higher, including 9 five-star products. Local specialties like Doan Hung pomelo and Thanh Son fermented pork are undergoing standardization through improved packaging, branding, and traceability via QR codes.

As the program moves toward the 2026-2030 phase, the focus is shifting from merely achieving star ratings to maintaining strict quality standards and building consumer trust through transparent production chains. Challenges remain for cooperatives and small businesses in meeting increasingly rigorous new evaluation criteria and documentation requirements.