When the product enters the "take-off runway"

From the rustic products that breathe the breath of the mountains and forests, the “One Commune One Product” (OCOP) Program has brought a new breeze to Lao Cai. This land now not only has specialties, but also has stories about brands, experiences and cultural identity. With the advantage of “combining specialties” from the lands after the merger, it will open up opportunities for localities to reposition OCOP not only as a product, but also as a journey for the hidden values of the mountains and forests to “take off”.

In the past, when mentioning Lao Cai specialties, people often imagined handmade products, wrapped in forest leaves, imbued with the salty taste of sweat and pride. Although rich in identity, it was difficult to reach far because it lacked a name to call, lacked a path to go. Then the OCOP program came like a "wind" of change, "awakening" the products that were once common to the people.

The government's support has become an "extended arm", empowering the people, from supporting packaging and labels to connecting the market. The mindset has also gradually shifted, from "doing what we have" to "doing what the market needs" and further, how not to be dissolved among countless other products. That journey has painted a colorful picture. The whole province currently has 604 OCOP products from 3 to 5 stars, distributed in 82 communes and wards, including 2 5-star products, 49 4-star products and 553 3-star products (including 3 potential 4-star products). This is not just a number, but 604 stories written with love and perseverance. There are OCOP products that have really "taken off".

The story of Suoi Giang Shan Tuyet tea, a famous specialty of the highlands, now in Van Chan commune, is a vivid testament to the journey of awakening indigenous values. From ancient tea trees growing amidst the clouds and winds of the mountains, 5 product lines have been standardized into 4-star OCOP, gradually affirming their position in the market. Suoi Giang tea is not only present in major domestic supermarkets, but has also officially "taken off" to "difficult" markets such as Japan and European countries. Each box of tea not only carries the pure flavor of the mountains and forests, but also encapsulates the identity and pride of an entire land.

Creativity is also clearly demonstrated in the way people here not only preserve their specialties, but also elevate them to a rich "product ecosystem". In Ngu Chi Son commune, from salmon raw materials, Mr. Le Trung Thuc's business household has processed a diverse product chain, bearing the OCOP mark from fresh Sa Pa salmon eggs, smoked salmon, salmon sausage, salmon floss to salmon crackers, all of which meet 4-star standards. These products are not only the crystallization of diligent hands, but also proof that OCOP has truly penetrated into life, awakening the spirit of ownership, inspiring each person to write their own development story, rich in identity, full of inner strength.

The success of OCOP also lies in preserving the cultural "soul". For example, Ms. Ly Thi Ninh - Director of Mong Style Brocade Embroidery Cooperative was born and raised in Che Cu Nha commune (now Mu Cang Chai commune), witnessed the traditional brocade weaving profession facing the risk of extinction and with her passionate love for national culture, she cherished the dream of reviving the old profession. In 2009, she and some other women established a cooperative. From the early difficult days, she constantly learned, explored and boldly participated in startup competitions. In 2020, her idea won a prize of nearly 400 million VND at the "Women's Startup" Competition organized by the Central Committee of the Vietnam Women's Union. Holding a large sum of money in her hand, she understood that it was the "push" to realize her dream and expand production.

The Cooperative's embroidery and weaving products are now not only traditional dresses, but also unique gifts such as handbags, wallets, backpacks... bearing bold Mong patterns. In particular, there have been shipments worth up to 800 million VND successfully exported to "difficult" markets such as England and France, affirming that Mong brocade can completely reach the world market. Ms. Ninh shared: "I am willing to guide and teach the profession for free to women in need, to preserve traditional crafts together, and develop the economy together". Those simple words contain a great vision, not only enriching themselves, but also enriching the culture and the community.

And as technology develops, it does not erase tradition, but becomes a companion. Many OCOP entities have boldly applied technology to production management and traceability using QR codes. Now, with just a simple scan, consumers anywhere can hear the story of each tea package, each vermicelli strand, each grain of rice... as a commitment to quality and transparency.

However, the journey of “taking off” of Lao Cai OCOP products is still facing many challenges. Market competition is increasingly fierce, especially when aiming towards international standards. The problem of ensuring quality, stable supply and uniformity for a large number of products still needs to be solved. Capacity building for OCOP entities in the context of digital transformation also requires continuous investment. In addition, the issue of intellectual property protection and anti-counterfeiting and counterfeiting in the broader market is also a concern.

With a strategic vision, Lao Cai (new) is taking clear steps. The government's support in trade promotion, connecting supply and demand, especially through export channels, will continue to be promoted. The application of technology and digital transformation in the entire value chain is identified as a top priority. The province will also focus on developing products that meet international standards, meeting the strict requirements of export markets and demanding consumers. At the same time, linking OCOP with experiential tourism will create "product stories" with strong identities, both attracting tourists and increasing emotional value. Improving management capacity, encouraging innovation and creativity based on the combined advantages of specialties, is the key to sustainable development.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/khi-san-vat-vao-duong-bang-cat-canh-post879732.html