Collective economy creates momentum for development.

Amidst the volatile economic landscape, the collective and cooperative sector in Thai Nguyen province has maintained its growth momentum during the 2020-2025 period, gradually affirming its important role in rural economic development. This achievement is largely due to the outstanding contributions of the Provincial Cooperative Union, which plays a core role in policy advice, development support, and market connectivity.

Products from cooperatives in Thai Nguyen are becoming increasingly diverse, meeting market demands.

Growth in scale and quality.

During the 2020-2025 period, the collective economic sector of the province recorded many targets exceeding the plan. The province established 518 new cooperatives, exceeding the target by 54.6%, bringing the total to 1,329 cooperatives with more than 47,000 members and workers participating.

The total capital of cooperatives reached nearly 3,950 billion VND, an increase of 33.8% compared to the set target; total revenue for the entire region is estimated at over 6,880 billion VND, with an average growth rate of 10-15% per year.

Not only has the number of cooperatives increased, but the quality of their operations has also improved significantly. Over 50% of cooperatives are rated as good or excellent; the average income of members reached 4.5-5 million VND/person/month in the agricultural sector and 5.5-6 million VND/person/month in the non-agricultural sector, a 1.5-fold increase compared to 2020.

Notably, the agricultural sector still accounts for a large proportion with 899 cooperatives, focusing on tea, livestock, fisheries, and forestry. Meanwhile, non-agricultural cooperatives are thriving in the industrial and handicraft sectors, construction, services, and tourism, contributing to diversifying livelihoods and creating local jobs for people.

Alongside cooperatives, cooperative groups have also developed strongly, with over 5,263 groups attracting more than 208,000 members, becoming a foundation for production linkages at the grassroots level.

The production-processing-consumption linkage has been effectively implemented by cooperatives. Photo: Nga My Cattle Breeding Cooperative, linked with over 30 participating households, has 500-600 cattle being fattened.

The leading role of the Cooperative Union

The results achieved clearly demonstrate the leading role of the Provincial Cooperative Union in the entire process of developing the collective economy.

During its term, the Provincial Cooperative Union advised on and implemented many important policies and guidelines, contributing to the completion of the institutional framework for the development of the cooperative economy. At the same time, it effectively organized support activities ranging from training and trade promotion to digital transformation.

In terms of direct support, the Provincial Cooperative Union has assisted in the establishment of 379 new cooperatives; brought 149 young, qualified workers to work in cooperatives; and organized 146 training courses for more than 5,400 participants.

In particular, the Cooperative Development Support Fund has proven effective with a total capital of nearly 100 billion VND, providing loans to over 622 projects with a turnover of over 313 billion VND, creating conditions for cooperatives to expand production and improve business efficiency.

Mr. Nguyen Van Dung, Chairman of the Thai Nguyen Provincial Cooperative Union, emphasized: The Provincial Cooperative Union has always clearly defined its role as an important advisory body for the province in building and implementing mechanisms and policies for the development of cooperative economics and cooperatives. At the same time, it acts as a bridge between cooperatives and the market; accompanying cooperatives from the stages of production organization and linkage to product consumption, contributing to improving the efficiency and competitiveness of the collective economic sector.

Linking tea production with experiential tourism is an effective approach adopted by many cooperatives in Thai Nguyen.

Significant changes at the grassroots level.

Practical experience in various localities shows that the support from the Provincial Cooperative Union has brought about significant changes. In Dong Hy commune, many cooperatives have gradually strengthened their organization, expanded production scale, and found stable markets for their products.

Mr. Duong Minh Tri, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Dong Hy commune, said: "In recent times, the support of the Cooperative Alliance has helped cooperatives in the commune improve their management capacity, expand their markets, and gradually operate more effectively, making a positive contribution to local economic development."

Particularly in 2025, when the locality was severely affected by typhoons No. 10 and No. 11, the production activities of many cooperatives faced considerable difficulties and disruptions. However, with the timely attention and support of all levels and sectors, including the Provincial Cooperative Union, cooperatives in the area have gradually overcome the damage and restored production.

To date, most cooperatives have stabilized their operations, maintained production and consumption linkages, and continue to be effective, making positive contributions to local economic development.

Many exemplary cooperatives have established their brands in the market, such as tea cooperatives, vermicelli cooperatives, and livestock cooperatives, through participation in value chains, development of OCOP products, and promotion of technology application.

Thai Nguyen is also considered one of the bright spots nationwide in the development of OCOP products, with many products whose quality, design, and commercial value are constantly improving.

To date, the province has 238 cooperatives and cooperative groups participating in the OCOP program, with 253 products achieving 3-5 stars, accounting for 44.5% of the province's total OCOP products.

Viet Cuong Vermicelli Cooperative is diversifying its distribution channels and gradually conquering foreign markets.

In particular, the promotion of trade and digital transformation has helped cooperatives' products reach a wider market. Nearly 1,000 products have been listed on e-commerce platforms; many livestream sales programs have attracted millions of viewers.

Despite the achievements, the collective economic sector still faces many limitations. The majority of cooperatives are small in scale and their development is uneven across localities; some cooperatives operate inefficiently and lack sustainable linkages within the value chain.

Furthermore, the management skills of some cooperative officials are limited; the ability to apply technology and digital transformation is not high. Investment resources are insufficient, and access to support policies is uneven. In addition, the impact of natural disasters, epidemics, and market fluctuations has also caused difficulties for some cooperatives, even forcing them to temporarily cease operations.

Requirements in the new development phase

Entering the 2025-2030 term, the collective economic sector of the province faces higher demands in terms of quality, efficiency, and sustainability.

The focus is on developing cooperatives along the value chain, linked to key products and OCOP (One Commune One Product) programs; promoting digital transformation and green transformation; and expanding regional linkages in the context of the expanded development space following the provincial merger.

Mr. Nguyen Van Dung, Chairman of the Thai Nguyen Provincial Cooperative Union, affirmed: The Provincial Cooperative Union will continue to innovate its operating methods, improve the quality of support, focus on developing cooperative models linked to value chains, digital transformation, and enhancing product value. It will advise on perfecting mechanisms and policies, strengthening support resources, improving the quality of human resources, and promoting linkages between cooperatives and businesses and markets.

It can be affirmed that the collective economy and cooperatives are increasingly asserting their role as one of the important pillars of the rural economy of Thai Nguyen. With the foundation already built and a clear direction in the new phase, this sector is expected to continue to break through and make positive contributions to the socio-economic development of the province in a sustainable direction.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/kinh-te/202604/kinh-te-tap-the-tao-da-phat-trien-a554f1e/