OCOP Products Drive Sustainable Rural Economic Development in Ha Tinh

(TITC) – Each OCOP product tells a story of the homeland, its people, and indigenous culture. Through a systematic approach and strategic orientation, the OCOP (One Commune One Product) program in Ha Tinh is playing a key role in building a sustainable, modern, and culturally rich rural community.

Leveraging Local Strengths

According to the Ha Tinh Office of New Rural Development Coordination, the province currently has 396 certified OCOP products, including 15 four-star and 299 three-star products.

These OCOP items are specialty and locally distinctive products, such as Phuc Trach grapefruit, deer velvet, Khe May orange, crispy orange, Ky Anh fish sauce, and Cua Nhuong squid. Several products have received geographical indication protection, including Cu Do peanut candy, Phuc Trach grapefruit, and deer velvet.

Some products are in the process of establishing and developing collective brands, gradually expanding their production and distribution, such as Ha Tinh rice paper and deer velvet. Traditional craft villages have also produced OCOP-standard products, including agarwood and rice paper.

The province is gradually developing centralized raw material zones and implementing value chain-based production models, linking producers directly with consumers. These efforts have strengthened the market presence of OCOP products and become a powerful driver for rural economic development.

Many producers have proactively invested in factory upgrades, technology innovation, and the application of science and technology in processing, thereby improving both productivity and product quality. In addition, OCOP participants have received support in management training, brand development, and trade promotion, enhancing the overall competitiveness of their products.

For example, Nguyen Lam sesame rice paper, once a humble local delicacy, has now become a 4-star OCOP product distributed in major supermarkets nationwide and exported to Japan.

Thach Tri jellyfish, thanks to improved processing and preservation methods, retains its traditional flavor while meeting food safety standards and is widely sold in Ho Chi Minh City and other southern provinces.

Phong Nga Cu Do candy maintains its traditional taste, now features modern packaging targeting high-end markets, and has been granted geographical indication status while participating in international trade fairs.

Creating Jobs and Expanding the OCOP Program

The OCOP program not only enhances local product development but also creates entrepreneurial opportunities for rural residents, especially the youth. To date, OCOP production facilities in Ha Tinh have generated over 2,000 direct jobs and thousands of indirect jobs, contributing significantly to rural economic growth.

Ha Tinh fish sauce. Photo: Ha Tinh Newspaper

Through training sessions, workshops, and trade promotion initiatives, local people have improved their management capacity, market access skills, and embraced circular economy models and green production practices, helping to build a sustainable startup ecosystem in the province.

To ensure long-term sustainability, Ha Tinh has issued regulations for OCOP product management, and has strengthened monitoring and inspection throughout the production process. Special attention is given to product quality, food safety, traceability, and brand protection.

Regular inspections and independent sample testing are strictly implemented to maintain consumer trust and establish a solid foundation for expanding OCOP products in both domestic and international markets.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, Ha Tinh is committed to promoting deep processing, strengthening value chain-based production linkages, and actively supporting brand building for OCOP products. Developing high-quality, traceable products will be the key to helping local OCOP products expand their reach in global markets.

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