New features in OCOP product development

In recent times, the One Commune One Product (OCOP) program has been effectively implemented across the province, delivering many impressive results. Since the establishment of the two-tier local government system, the OCOP program has seen several new points.

Previously, the evaluation and recognition of OCOP products were conducted at three levels: central, provincial, and district levels. The role of ward and communal levels was almost absent. Now, at the grassroots levels, they play a much more significant role in implementing and expanding the program in its new phase.

Dong Nai boasts a wealth of farm produce, particularly fresh fruits certified as OCOP products. Photo: OCOP product display area in Xuan Loc Commune.

Enhancing role of communal level

The newest point in the OCOP program after the two-tier local government came into operation is the adjustment in evaluation and classification processes. Specifically, product evaluation and recognition now occur at only two levels: the central level for 5-star OCOP products, and the provincial level for 3-star and 4-star products.

Also under the new regulations, the role of communal level has been elevated and clearly defined in OCOP program implementation. Most notably, they are now responsible for several key evaluation criteria such as product origin, use of local labor, product concept, and cultural identity.

As a trainer at a recent workshop on the implementation of OCOP program in the province, Tran Kien, representative of DK Development JSC in Hanoi, the program’s consulting unit, stressed: “ It’s important to raise awareness among commune- and ward-level officials about the OCOP program, its products, and stakeholders. Equipping them with knowledge of OCOP’s criteria, star ranking system, product storytelling, product quality certification documentation, and evaluation procedures is essential, he noted. This is because they are the on-the-ground force directly responsible for promoting the program, supporting stakeholders in preparing applications effectively, identifying potential products, and monitoring OCOP products at the grassroots level.

Ample room for growth

According to the Department of Agriculture and Environment, before the reorganization into the two-tier local government, the department had already issued documents urging and guiding localities and stakeholders to conduct evaluations and recognize 3-star OCOP products at the district level, and to submit 4-star product dossiers for provincial review. In the first half of 2025, localities across Dong Nai recognized 60 new OCOP products and renewed recognition for 20 expired ones. The department also convened its advisory council to evaluate seven 4-star OCOP products from three stakeholders, who are currently finalizing their applications.

From now until the end of 2025, the province plans to conduct two additional OCOP product evaluation rounds, expecting to process about 20 products.

As a result, the province now has 481 OCOP products, including 11 at the 5-star level, 109 at 4-star, and 361 at 3-star. The program has attracted 304 stakeholders, nearly 60% of which are enterprises or cooperatives. Compared to early 2020, the number of OCOP products has increased sharply, averaging around 50% growth per year.

Following the merger into the new Dong Nai province, there is considerable potential for developing the agricultural sector in general and the OCOP program in particular, especially in cultural, tourism and specialty agricultural products from each locality. Notably, the province currently has 94 fresh fruit products recognized as OCOP.

Nguyen Van Thang, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment, noted that after nearly seven years (2019–2025), the OCOP program has been vigorously and substantively implemented, becoming a highlight in rural economic development. With the two-tier local government system now fully operational, many provincial- and commune-level OCOP program managers have seen changes in their positions and responsibilities. Therefore, they will need time to study and adapt in order to guide and support stakeholders effectively. For this reason, the department will continue to organize training activities to equip provincial- and commune-level managers with the necessary expertise to assist stakeholders in preparing their product evaluation applications. It will also issue further directives urging localities to provide support in helping stakeholders apply for the certification of OCOP products in 2025.

By Binh Nguyen

Translated by Minh Nguyet-Thu Ha