Building connections to strengthen collective economy

The collective economy is entering a new phase of development with many opportunities as the 2023 Law on Cooperatives, Resolution No. 20-NQ/TW, and synchronized policies supporting private economic development, digital transformation, and green growth are rolled out in tandem.

Ma Da Xanh Agricultural Technology and Tourism Cooperative (Tri An Ward) participates in the 2026 International Exhibition on Machinery, Chemicals, and Agricultural Products of Vietnam (Agri Vietnam).

In Dong Nai, alongside efforts to strengthen cooperative organizations and expand their operations, building stronger connections between cooperatives and state management agencies, scientists, businesses and markets is creating fresh momentum for the collective economy to develop sustainably and reinforce its role in the local economy.

From production linkages to greater value creation

The Bu Lach Grassland Organic Cashew Agricultural Cooperative in Tho Son Commune has established an integrated production chain for organically grown “rau nhip” (a type of forest vegetable) cultivated beneath cashew trees, while organizing processing and distribution to bring the regional specialty to broader markets. The cooperative currently supplies around 16 tonnes of ‘rau nhip’ annually to restaurant chains and safe-food retailers across the country.

Notably, the cooperative actively advances its transition to clean and organic production. In Tho Son Commune, ethnic minorities account for 48.7% of the population. Transitioning to organic farming is facilitated by ethnic minority communities’ traditional, low-input cultivation practices. As a result, intercropped ‘rau nhip’  grown in clean cashew orchards meets safety standards and has earned a 3-star OCOP (One Commune One Product) rating from Dong Nai.

According to Thi Khui, Director of the Bu Lach Grassland Organic Cashew Agricultural Cooperative, the unit strictly controls hygiene standards, ensures food safety, and invests in packaging and branding. Looking ahead, the cooperative will continue connecting with farmers to expand safe raw material production zones and broaden distribution channels.

Similarly, the Thanh Binh Clean Agricultural Production and Consumption Linkage Cooperative in Bau Ham Commune, established in early 2019 following a period when local banana growers faced difficulties in finding markets for their produce, has seen substantial growth. Starting with ten members and about 32 hectares of banana plantations, the cooperative’s connected raw material area has expanded to roughly 320 hectares. Its farm produce is now distributed domestically and exported to Malaysia, the UAE, Iran, and South Korea.

Ly Minh Hung, Director of the Thanh Binh Clean Agricultural Production and Consumption Linkage Cooperative, emphasized that the unit's core value extends beyond guaranteeing stable market outlets to transforming farmers' production mindsets. Rather than relying on experience-based farming, members are guided to adopt VietGAP standards, tailor their production to specific market requirements, and gradually integrate into agricultural value chains. Simultaneously, the cooperative invests in developing value-added products from banana fruit and stems, moving towards a circular economy model, reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing the value of the entire banana plant.

These cooperative success stories illustrate the ongoing transformation within Dong Nai’s collective economic sector. While many cooperatives previously focused on supplying farm inputs or related services, an increasing number of units now organize production, integrate corporate partners, build brands, adopt advanced technologies, and expand market access.

Strengthening linkages between the Dong Nai City Cooperative Alliance and municipal departments, and business associations will further unlock new opportunities for development. This helps cooperatives shift decisively from basic production mindsets to commercial economic thinking, from isolated operations to integrated supply chains, and from increasing output to enhancing value added and competitiveness.

Building partnerships for sustainable development

While exemplary cooperatives showcase grassroots innovation, then the sustained support of authorities at all levels and relevant sectors serves as the driving force for the sustainable development of the collective economy.

The Dong Nai City Cooperative Alliance has actively fulfilled its role as a bridge linking cooperatives with municipal departments, enterprises, and credit organizations to dismantle bottlenecks surrounding capital access, technology transfer, digital transformation, human resource development, and trade promotion.

In agriculture, the Dong Nai City Cooperative Alliance collaborates with the Department of Agriculture and Environment to build end-to-end supply chains; guide cooperatives in obtaining OCOP, VietGAP, and GlobalGAP certifications; and support raw material zone formation, planting area code issuance, product traceability, and green agricultural practices.

According to evaluations by the Department of Agriculture and Environment, cooperatives play a central role in bridging farmers with enterprises, reducing production costs, improving bargaining power, and establishing local agricultural brands.

Similarly, strategic cooperation between the Dong Nai City Cooperative Alliance and the Municipal Farmers' Association targets recruiting at least 10,000 farmers annually into agricultural collective economic organizations. By 2030, the initiative aims to assist in establishing at least 100 new cooperatives and 250 collaborative groups; restructure and elevate operational quality for 100 agricultural cooperatives; and ensure 50% of cooperatives implement high technology, with 40% achieving VietGAP/organic certifications and 3-star or higher OCOP accreditation.

Meanwhile, the Department of Science and Technology focuses on assisting cooperatives with technological adoption and digital transformation. Modern models leveraging IoT, smart irrigation, environmental sensors, electronic field logs, and QR traceability have been deployed across units like the Phuoc Thien and Loc Quang Organic Pepper Cooperatives. Vo Hoang Khai, Deputy Director of the Dong Nai City Department of Science and Technology, affirmed that the department stands ready to coordinate with the Cooperative Alliance and relevant agencies to accelerate digital skills training, establish agricultural trading floors, help cooperatives bring their products onto e-commerce platforms, and expand market reach.

Another highlight is the initial collaboration between the Dong Nai City Cooperative Alliance and the Municipal Young Entrepreneurs Association. According to Dang Quoc Nghi, Chairman of the Young Entrepreneurs Association, through supply-demand matching programs, business forums, trade promotion, and investment networking events, cooperatives will gain enhanced access to corporate networks, expand market share, and integrate deeper into value chains.

By Vuong The - Translated by Mai Nga, Thu Ha