On September 18, 2025, the landscape of Vietnamese agriculture and traditional handicrafts was on full display, as efforts to connect local producers to broader markets took center stage. In Đồng Nai province, a bustling conference drew together farmers, business owners, and hotel managers, all with one goal: to elevate the profile and market reach of the region’s agricultural and OCOP (One Commune, One Product) goods. Meanwhile, in the northern mountains, the remarkable journey of Vàng Thị Mai—a Mông woman who turned humble flax threads into internationally sought-after woven treasures—demonstrated the transformative power of community-driven cooperatives. Across the nation, government-backed trade fairs and promotional programs continued to push Vietnamese products onto the global stage, building brands and opening doors for rural entrepreneurs.
According to Đồng Nai’s Farmers’ Association, the September 18 conference was a pivotal step in forging stronger links between OCOP product owners, cooperatives, and the province’s network of restaurants, hotels, and tourism businesses. Nguyễn Hữu Nguyên, who serves as both Chairman of the Farmers’ Association and Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee in Đồng Nai, emphasized the necessity of such partnerships. “The role and importance of linking and cooperation between OCOP owners and businesses is crucial to expand the consumption market, increase competitive value, and contribute to the sustainable development of local agricultural products,” he said, as reported by Đồng Nai News.
The event drew a diverse crowd: representatives from businesses, cooperatives, OCOP entities, and the hospitality sector all gathered to exchange ideas. OCOP owners showcased their products, highlighting unique characteristics and sharing the stories behind each item—a strategy aimed at connecting with both consumers and potential partners. In turn, hoteliers and restaurateurs offered candid feedback on quality, design, and packaging, stressing the need for continual improvement to meet evolving market demands. “Businesses, restaurants, and hotels shared experiences, selection criteria, and feedback to improve product quality, design, and packaging to better meet market demands,” the conference summary noted.
Looking ahead, Nguyễn Hữu Nguyên announced plans for quarterly promotional activities, aiming to further strengthen the network between OCOP producers and local enterprises. “The Farmers’ Association of Đồng Nai province plans to organize quarterly regular activities to enhance promotion programs, introduce local agricultural and OCOP products, and create opportunities for OCOP owners to connect with suppliers and businesses to expand the market,” he stated. The hope is that these regular gatherings will not only boost sales but also foster innovation and sustainability in Đồng Nai’s agricultural sector.
While Đồng Nai’s conference focused on fresh produce and market expansion, in the far north, the story of bà Vàng Thị Mai and the Lùng Tám Flax Cooperative offered a different—but equally inspiring—perspective on rural entrepreneurship and cultural preservation. As detailed in a September 18 report by Báo Giáo dục và Thời đại Online, bà Mai’s journey began in 2001 with just 13 million VND in capital and 10 determined members. With steadfast support from local authorities, she and her fellow Mông women set out to rescue a fading tradition: the intricate art of flax weaving.
The process itself is nothing short of epic. “The flax weaving process takes 7 months from planting to finished fabric and involves 41 production steps including drying, fiber separation, pounding, boiling with wood ash water and beeswax to soften and whiten fibers,” bà Mai explained. The skill required is immense. “The weaving stage needs the dexterity and experience of the artisan to handle broken threads. Besides the skillful hands, there must be the rhythm of the feet and the keen eye to create a perfect piece of flax fabric,” she added. Over nearly a quarter-century, the cooperative has blossomed to more than 120 members, with annual revenues around 1.5 billion VND. Average monthly incomes for members now range from 4 to 6 million VND, with the most skilled artisans earning up to 7 million VND.
But the impact goes far beyond economics. The cooperative actively supports poor women, orphans, and elderly artisans, ensuring that no one is left behind. “Each product sold, a portion is set aside to pay artisans who teach the younger generation, creating a cycle of preserving and spreading knowledge,” bà Mai shared. The cooperative’s model directly embodies the national spirit of “For the Poor – Leaving No One Behind” for the 2021–2025 period. The result? Not only do women gain financial independence, but communities are strengthened, and children are able to attend school thanks to the steady income from weaving.
Today, Lùng Tám flax products are sold in 20 international markets, including demanding destinations like France and Italy. Bà Mai herself is affectionately known as the “Lady of Flax” and “Queen of Embroidery,” celebrated for her commitment to teaching traditional techniques to the next generation. Her vision for the future is clear: diversify product designs to suit modern tastes while continuing to train young artisans. “The cooperative plans to develop diverse new product designs suitable for modern tastes and continues training skilled young artisans,” she said. The story of Lùng Tám is a testament to the resilience of rural women and the enduring power of cultural heritage.
These local efforts are being amplified by sweeping national initiatives. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, trade promotion and marketing campaigns have been rolled out vigorously from the central government down to the grassroots. The results speak for themselves. “Many trade promotion programs and OCOP product introductions have contributed to brand development and helped elite products reach farther markets,” the Ministry reported.
One such initiative, the Vietnam OCOPEX program, took place in early August 2025 in Hanoi. The event attracted more than 200 organizations, featuring 300 booths and thousands of OCOP-certified products from 34 provinces and cities. International participants, including delegations from Peru, Laos, and Cambodia, as well as several foreign importers, added a global dimension to the fair. This wasn’t just about sales—it was about cultural exchange and building long-term partnerships. Regional and national fairs like OCOPEX have become not only business platforms but also tourism magnets, drawing curious visitors eager to experience the diversity of Vietnamese craftsmanship.
Provinces like Quảng Ninh have emerged as leaders, pushing their OCOP products—such as the famed Ha Long pearls—onto the world stage. Companies are investing in quality, traceability, and international certifications to meet the demands of discerning global buyers. As Mr. Nịnh Văn Trắng, director of Đạp Thanh Forestry Business Joint Stock Company, put it, “To access international markets, products must meet many standards, such as clear origin, no pesticides or chemical fertilizers in cultivation, and a stable supply chain. That is why the company invests comprehensively from cultivation, processing, packaging to QR coding and geographical indication registration.”
In Hanoi, the Tân Thịnh Ceramic Cooperative in Bát Tràng village has leveraged OCOP 5-star certification as a “passport” for exporting its unique pottery to countries like South Korea, Japan, Germany, and France. Such recognition, according to cooperative director Trần Đức Tân, is both an honor and a stepping stone to greater international visibility.
From the flax looms of Lùng Tám to the bustling trade fairs of Hanoi, Vietnamese OCOP products are weaving a new narrative—one that blends tradition, innovation, and global ambition. The commitment of local leaders, artisans, and entrepreneurs is clear: by building bridges between rural producers and the world market, they are not only preserving cultural heritage but also shaping a more prosperous and inclusive future for all.
