Linking digital transformation with the development of OCOP in Thanh Hoa province.

With 674 OCOP products achieving 3-5 stars, Thanh Hoa is accelerating digital transformation and applying virtual reality technology to promote local specialties and tourism.

Using technology to enhance the promotion of local specialties.

Thanh Hoa currently ranks third nationwide with 674 OCOP products achieving 3 to 5 stars. This is considered a significant advantage for the locality to promote rural economic development and showcase regional identity. However, in the context of rapid digital transformation, the promotion of OCOP products still faces many limitations, especially in the application of technology to enhance user interaction and experience.

The provincial police have installed information kiosks at hotels in the Sam Son beach resort area to assist tourists in searching for information about the local history, culture, and distinctive OCOP (One Commune One Product) products. (Photo: Thanh Hoa Provincial Police)

Mr. Nguyen Huu The - General Director of ADVTV Digital Media Joint Stock Company, a unit providing smart kiosks integrated with digital technology to the market for promoting OCOP products and tourism in Thanh Hoa province. Photo: Ngo Nhung

In reality, much of the promotional content on digital platforms remains one-sided, lacking impact and failing to retain viewers. Meanwhile, modern media trends demand visual, dynamic interaction and personalized customer experiences. Without quickly innovating its promotional methods, OCOP products will struggle to reach young consumers and expand their market.

In response to this need, the Thanh Hoa Provincial Police Department advised the Provincial People's Committee and collaborated with technology companies to implement various digital transformation solutions to enhance the effectiveness of promoting local products. Notable examples include building digital databases, applying virtual reality, 360-degree imagery, and integrating information on OCOP products, traditional crafts, and scenic spots onto LED screens in public areas.

The production of smart kiosks integrating digital technology involves many steps, from sketching the model and assembling components to integrating digital software. Photo: Ngo Nhung

In addition, the Provincial Police continue to encourage technology companies to partner with and install smart kiosk systems in tourist areas, public places, and shopping centers to support information retrieval. Instead of having to search through multiple platforms, tourists can simply interact directly on the screen to view images, videos, digital maps, destination information, or local OCOP products.

The application of digital technology to promote OCOP products not only enhances user experience but also opens up new avenues for developing smart tourism, rural digital economy, and local branding in the era of digital transformation.

Technology creates a competitive advantage for OCOP products.

In the context of digital transformation becoming an inevitable trend, many businesses have proactively applied technology to improve efficiency and expand their product markets. Not only are they selling on digital platforms, but many are also boldly adopting virtual reality, 360-degree imaging, and building digital media ecosystems.

All processes are meticulously checked by Mr. The to avoid errors when bringing products to market to serve locals and tourists at tourist destinations. Photo: Ngo Nhung

As one of the pioneering businesses in the field of digital media in Thanh Hoa and also the producer of approximately 166 smart kiosks integrated with digital technology for the market to promote tourism and OCOP products of Thanh Hoa, Mr. Nguyen Huu The - General Director of ADVTV Digital Media Joint Stock Company said that using the smart kiosk model integrated with digital technology helps customers have a more intuitive and vivid experience when accessing products.

In particular, it's very easy to use; just swipe your finger across the screen and select landmarks, products, and all the information, including videos, audio, images of the production process, and origin...; and foreigners can choose the appropriate language.

Tourists experience searching for destination information and OCOP products on smart kiosks, connected to data from Thanh Hoa province's IOC Center. Photo: Thanh Hoa Police.

“Instead of just viewing static images or simple introductory information, users can experience products, production spaces, or tourist destinations through 360-degree images, drone videos, and virtual reality simulations. This technology not only creates novelty but also contributes to increased transparency, helping customers gain more confidence in OCOP products,” Mr. The said.

According to Mr. The, the smart kiosk model is not only for product introductions but also integrates with electronic payment platforms, digital maps, and local tourism promotion systems. This contributes to creating a digital ecosystem that serves tourists and consumers in a comprehensive manner.

“Thanh Hoa currently has hundreds of OCOP products achieving 3 to 5 stars, spanning various fields such as agricultural products, processed foods, handicrafts, and traditional village products. However, in the context of increasing competition, many OCOP producers still face difficulties in promotion, brand building, and accessing new markets. Therefore, digital transformation is considered a crucial solution to enhance the competitiveness of local products,” Mr. The said, adding that promoting digital transformation will not only help OCOP products expand their markets and have more opportunities to reach modern consumers but also gradually establish their brands in both domestic and international markets.

According to a survey of 32 OCOP products promoted on large screens, many products recorded impressive growth in both revenue and volume. Notably, Le Gia fish sauce saw a 57% increase in revenue and a 42% increase in customers outside the province; Le Gia shrimp paste also saw a 42% increase in revenue and a 74% increase in customers outside the province. TH fish sauce concentrate also achieved approximately a 30% increase in revenue, while the number of customers outside the province increased by about 50%.

In the processed and fast-moving consumer goods sector, the effectiveness of digital transformation is becoming increasingly evident. For example, Son Moc Tea (young guava leaves) achieved revenue of approximately 250 million VND with nearly 5,000 products sold, an increase of about 25% compared to the same period; Mol lemon balm syrup saw a 15% increase in revenue; and Binh Son clean tea saw a 10% increase in revenue from online orders, with customers from outside the province alone contributing about 30 million VND.

Not only food products, but also handicrafts and gifts have benefited from digital promotion. Viet Uyen's everlasting flower mugs saw a 20% increase in revenue; Bao Hang's brocade products also recorded similar growth... This shows the potential for market expansion of products with strong cultural identity when accessed through the right channels.

In the coming period, with support from relevant agencies and the proactive efforts of businesses, digital transformation is expected to continue to be an important driving force, contributing to upgrading tourism and the value of OCOP products in Thanh Hoa, promoting local economic development in a modern and sustainable direction.

Source: https://congthuong.vn/gan-chuyen-doi-so-voi-phat-trien-ocop-xu-thanh-457571.html