Nghe An honors 140 products that have achieved OCOP star status.

On the afternoon of April 21st, the People's Committee of Nghe An province held a conference to announce the provincial-level OCOP (One Commune One Product) products for 2021 and to launch the One Commune One Product (OCOP) program for 2022. Mr. Hoang Nghia Hieu, Member of the Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee and Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, presided over the conference, with the participation of relevant departments and agencies, and entities participating in the OCOP program.

Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Hoang Nghia Hieu presents trophies and certificates to businesses whose products achieved 4-star OCOP certification. Photo: Thanh Phuc.

249 products were rated 3 stars.

In 2021, the entire province had an additional 140 products from 88 businesses that achieved the ranking.3-star OCOPor higher; of which, 139 products achieved 3 to 4 stars and 1 product with the potential to achieve 5 stars has submitted its application to the Central Government for consideration and recognition.

Thus, the total number of products rated 3 stars or higher from the beginning of the program to date is 249 products (exceeding the target set in the Project by 24.5% for 2030); the Program has also mobilized nearly 117,958 million VND to improve and enhance the products.

In 2021, the bamboo and rattan hanging lanterns of Duc Phong Co., Ltd. were recognized as a 5-star potential product. Photo: Thanh Phuc

Speaking at the conference, the comradeVice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Hoang Nghia HieuThe meeting commended the achievements of the OCOP Program in the past period. It was emphasized that the OCOP Program has become a widespread movement throughout the province, giving rise to many good models and effective, innovative approaches that have contributed to increasing the quantity and variety of agricultural products in the province; improving their quality, value, and income, thereby contributing to the economic restructuring and agricultural sector reorganization, and the building of new rural areas.

At the same time, analyze and clearly identify the shortcomings in the implementation process.OCOP programThis needs to be fixed.

OCOP products have effectively utilized the potential and advantages of localities in the restructuring of crop and livestock production. Photo: Thanh Phuc

Firstly, OCOP products are mainly produced using traditional crafts and outdated technology, and the application of scientific and technological advancements in production is limited; secondly, OCOP product producers have not paid enough attention to design, labeling, packaging, and certification; thirdly, some localities have not identified their advantages and potential, and have not paid much attention to developing new products; some localities and producers are not enthusiastic about the program.

Fourth, the resources for implementing the program are limited, mainly relying on integration, leading to difficulties in the implementation process; trade promotion, introduction, and advertising of OCOP products have not received adequate attention...

Besides some companies and businesses that have invested in standardized packaging and labeling, many others still do not pay attention to this issue. Photo: Thanh Phuc

The goal is to have over 100 products achieve 3-star OCOP certification in 2022.

At the conference, participants shared their experiences in product development, packaging and labeling investment, and the promotion and consumption of OCOP products. They also presented recommendations on policies to support infrastructure, brand building, and trade promotion for OCOP products.

In 2022, the entire province aims to have at least 100 more products achieving 3-star rating or higher (an average of 4.76 products per district, city, or town); strive to have at least 15-20 new economic organizations participating in the OCOP Program in 2022 in the form of cooperatives, enterprises; establish at least 2 points for introducing and selling OCOP products in districts and towns; organize market connections, organize provincial-level fairs and participate in fairs and exhibitions in provinces nationwide; and organize activities for...OCOP entitiesParticipate in at least 3 trade fairs in 2022...

Promoting trade and marketing OCOP products is attracting attention from many stakeholders. In particular, the issue of bringing OCOP products to e-commerce platforms is expected to bring positive changes. (Photo: Thanh Phuc)

To achieve the above results, sectors and localities continue to decisively direct the OCOP Program, considering it a key political task and a breakthrough in building new rural areas, especially advanced new rural areas. They should review and reassess the implementation of the OCOP Program in their localities over the past period, addressing shortcomings to ensure the program is substantive and effective, avoiding formality that wastes time and resources.

Simultaneously, focus on training and developing commune-level management staff, district-level professional staff, and stakeholders involved in the OCOP Program; pay attention to the policy of developing rural craft villages and industries, and promote production along the value chain as a basis for product development. In particular, it is necessary to check compliance with quality commitments by economic entities after their products have achieved star ratings; and strengthen trade promotion for the Program.

At the conference, the organizing committee awarded the OCOP symbolic trophy and certificates for achieving 4-star and 3-star OCOP status at the provincial level in 2021 to the participating businesses.