Hanoi is leading the country in implementing the “One Commune One Product” (OCOP) Program, accounting for 22.1% of certified products nationwide. To date, the city has had 6 products awarded the 5-star OCOP certification by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, one of the highest totals in the country.
Lotus tea, a signature specialty of Hanoi
Unique identity
Tran Duc Tan, Director of Tan Thinh Ceramic Production and Trading Cooperative, said that the cooperative has 20 members who are skilled artisans and craftspeople from the traditional Bat Trang pottery village. Each member is a specialist in a unique ceramic line, and they have now joined forces to build a collective brand. “Being rated and certified as a 5-star OCOP product is a great honor for our Suoi Ngoc Glazed Ceramic collection. This is a major step for expanding trade promotion efforts,” he emphasized.
Previously, Quang Vinh Ceramics Co., Ltd (based in Bat Trang commune, Gia Lam district) had four products certified 5-star OCOP by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, including “Red lotus flower ceramic tableware set”, “Swallow and lotus tableware set”, “Dragon and phoenix tableware set”, and “Swallow and lotus tea set”. These were Hanoi's first four 5-star OCOP products.
Among Hanoi’s OCOP products is a truly unique product in Vietnam, the lotus silk produced by artisan Phan Thi Thuan from Phung Xa commune (My Duc district). In early 2023, the company’s “Handwoven mulberry silk quilt” was recognized with 5-star certification at the national level. In addition, its “Lotus silk scarf” is likely to be accredited a 5-star product.
These 5-star certified OCOP products feature the combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology, thus creating distinctive and highly aesthetic designs. Besides, each product skillfully unfolds Vietnamese culture, featuring lotuses, dragons, phoenixes, swallows and other motifs. This cultural infusion gives the products a refined, unique character imbued with natural identity, thus contributing to the sustainable development of rural economies and improving local livelihoods.
5-star OCOP products from Hanoi showcased at an expo
Tapping potential
Nguyen Dinh Hoa, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Environment, said that the city currently has 3,317 OCOP-certified products, accounting for 22.1% of the country’s total. However, only six of these have received the 5-star class. This is a modest number compared to the city's full potential and advantages.
Dao Cong Truong, Director of Ba Vi Golden Cow Milk Joint Stock Company, said that his company sources raw materials through partnerships with local dairy farmers in Hanoi’s largest dairy cow farming region. The company currently has over 20 dairy products on the market such as pasteurized milk, yogurt and milk cakes. Some products have been certified 4-star OCOP. Aiming for 5-star certification means the company must meet national standards and align with international standards like ISO, HACCP and GMP. Meanwhile, many producers lack technical and consultancy support to meet the conditions for certification.
As the owner of 4-star OCOP agricultural products, Nguyen Thi Mai, Director of Vinh Ha Food Joint Stock Company (Hong Thai commune, Phu Xuyen district), added that the company's production area has yet to receive official planting area codes. Moreover, its packaging still lacks appeal and the company expects to get guidance and support to complete the documentation for 5-star certification.
Overcoming challenges
Hanoi aims to have at least 30 new 5-star OCOP products certified by central agencies in 2025. To tackle difficulties and create breakthroughs in 5-star OCOP development, the Hanoi Coordination Office for New Rural Development Program has organized consultation conferences to support OCOP producers in preparing qualified 5-star product applications.
Nguyen Dinh Hoa said that the city will provide financial support for packaging design, labeling and documentation to help producers improve their products to the best. With these efforts, Hanoi hopes to lead the country in both the number and the quality of 5-star OCOP products.
Ms. Ha Thi Vinh with Quang Vinh ceramic products
Dang Quy Nhan, Deputy Director of the OCOP Department under the National Coordination Office for New Rural Development, noted that the 5-star OCOP evaluation showed a majority of producers still struggle to compile complete profiles for 5-star certification. Moreover, packaging and labeling fail to meet export standards like professional designs, suitable materials for long-term storage or international shipping, international barcodes or multilingual labels.
Ngo Van Ngon, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Coordination Office for New Rural Development Program, said that the office will ask local authorities to continue supporting the reassessment and reclassification of expired OCOP certifications in the coming period while helping producers upgrade their products for higher recognition, thus enhancing the competitiveness of Hanoi’s OCOP products.
Nguyen Manh Quyen, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, stated that Hanoi will focus on three groups of solutions: Supporting producers in diversifying product lines; enhancing trade connections and market expansion; and strictly managing and continuously improving OCOP product quality. The city will intensify product quality inspection and ensure the transparency of OCOP products to consumers, thus making OCOP products strong, reputable brands that meet the demand for safe agricultural and food products.
By Dinh Bao, Vietnam Business Forum
| This special section is supported by Hanoi Coordination Office of the New Rural Development Program |
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