Minh Bao Agricultural Cooperative in Yen Bai city currently has three OCOP products namely natural honey, mushroom and Bat Tien tea.

Bui Viet Tien, director of the cooperative, said that thanks to satisfying OCOP standards, the products are available in many provinces and cities across the country instead of being sold within the province like in the past.

It is necessary to promote the products in various forms so that customers know the products and buy them, he said.

The cooperative has set up shops selling over 70 types of products, Tien said, adding that it sold 10 million VND worth of goods a day.

Being aware of the product value when meeting OCOP standards, Gioi Phien Vermicelli Cooperative in Gioi Phien commune has registered to take part in the programme. As a result, the cooperative had a vermicelli product that was recognised as a four-star OCOP product last year.

Currently, it is selling the product with prices ranging from 60,000 VND (2.6 USD) to 80,000 VND (3.4 USD) per kg.

"Being certified as a four-star OCOP product has helped the cooperative expand its markets,” said Pham Thi Thu Ha, a cooperative member.

The cooperative sells about 10 tonnes of vermicelli each month, double the volume recorded before, she added.

Every year, the city's administration assigns specific tasks relating to the deployment of the OCOP programme to divisions, mass organisations, People’s Committees of wards and communes in the locality. It also devises training plans and carries out projects which link the development of products with consumption.

In 2019-2021 period, the city created favourable conditions for the Gioi Phien Vermicelli Cooperative, Minh Bao Agricultural Cooperative and Yen Bai TN Co Ltd to join Voso e-commerce trading floor and taking part in fairs held within the province and other localities. It opened three showrooms to introduce and sell OCOP products.

Despite being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, most enterprises engaged in the programme have been doing business effectively. Some establishments have actively implemented trade promotion activities including participating in e-commerce trading floors and opening showrooms for OCOP products.

Once joining the OCOP programme, the consumption of certified products is expected to increase by 20 - 50%. It has contributed to improving the value and quality of products, creating more trust and prestige among consumers while encouraging enterprises and cooperatives to invest in agriculture.