OCOP - A driving force for traditional craft villages.

Accelerate production, with the role of "driving force".

Observations at Thu Duong rice noodle village, Nam Duong commune, show that in the final days of the year, most production households are operating at full capacity. Traditional rice noodles, especially high-quality varieties meeting OCOP standards, are in high demand due to the need for personal use and gifts during Tet (Lunar New Year). Many establishments report a 30 to 50% increase in production during the months leading up to Tet compared to normal times.

The family of Mr. Pham Van Cuong, in Thu Duong village, Nam Duong commune, works diligently throughout the evening to ensure timely delivery of goods for the Tet holiday.

Mr. Pham Van Cuong, Director of Cuong Be Rice Noodle Cooperative in Nam Duong commune, said that the cooperative currently has 9 members. During the Tet holiday season, they have to organize continuous production, working overtime day and night to meet orders, with a total expected output of about 120 tons. “The cooperative's rice noodle product, recognized as an OCOP product, has created a clear advantage in terms of brand, packaging, and consumer trust. This Tet season, both production volume and selling prices are stable, helping households feel secure in continuing the profession and earning additional income,” Mr. Cuong shared.

Not only in Thu Duong, but also in the craft villages of Tho Ha and Van Ha (now Tho Ha and Yen Vien residential areas, Van Ha ward, specializing in the production of spring roll wrappers, rice noodles, and traditional wine), the peak season has begun. Taking advantage of favorable weather, many households are increasing production to meet the demand of markets inside and outside the province. Traditional products associated with cultural elements such as Tho Ha spring roll wrappers, glutinous rice wine, Van Huong fine wine, etc., with clear packaging and labels, origin information, and OCOP standards, are increasingly favored by consumers.

According to statistics, the province currently has more than 720 OCOP products rated 3 stars or higher, many of which originate from traditional craft villages. Standardizing products under the OCOP program has fundamentally changed the mindset of small-scale production towards professionalism, improving quality, design, traceability, and expanding markets. For example, the People's Committee of Nha Nam commune provided 20 million VND in support to the La Duc Y rice noodle production and business household in Lao Dong village (Mr. Y contributed 20 million VND) to design and print packaging for the OCOP product "Y Thu Rice Noodles" for the Tet holiday market.

Mr. Le Tuan Anh, Chairman of the People's Committee of Nam Duong commune, commented: "The OCOP program not only helps the rice noodle products of Thu Duong craft village elevate their brand but also creates conditions for cooperatives to participate more deeply in distribution chains, trade fairs, and trade promotion programs. As a result, sales volume during this year's Tet holiday continues to increase, and people's lives have improved."

In reality, along with investing in machinery and innovating production processes, craft villages in Bac Ninh are gradually linking production with the preservation of traditional cultural values, creating a unique appeal for OCOP products in an increasingly competitive market.

Boost trade promotion and expand markets.

Alongside the efforts of producers, the province has implemented a comprehensive and systematic approach to trade promotion and marketing of OCOP products. In 2025, in accordance with the Trade Promotion Plan and the National Target Program for New Rural Development, the province's specialized agencies organized and participated in many large-scale trade promotion programs, focusing on supporting the consumption of OCOP products, handicraft products, and key agricultural products. According to the summary, in 2025, the Bac Ninh Center for Industry and Trade Development implemented more than 30 trade promotion programs with a total budget of over 6.5 billion VND. In addition, from the central government's operational budget for the National Target Program for New Rural Development, the province continued to allocate over 1.6 billion VND to support businesses and cooperatives participating in trade fairs and exhibitions, connecting supply and demand for OCOP products.

Bac Ninh currently has over 720 OCOP products rated 3 stars or higher, many of which originate from traditional craft villages. In 2025, the Center for Industry and Trade Development implemented more than 30 trade promotion programs with a total budget of over 6.5 billion VND. The central government allocated over 1.6 billion VND to support businesses and cooperatives participating in fairs and exhibitions, and connecting supply and demand for OCOP products.

During the discussion, Mr. Tran Van Khai, Head of the Department of Cooperative Economics and Rural Development of Bac Ninh province, assessed: “Trade promotion activities in the past have made a significant contribution to bringing Bac Ninh's OCOP products closer to consumers. Especially during Tet (Lunar New Year), organizing product displays and introductions at fairs, shopping centers, densely populated residential areas, and near industrial zones has helped many traditional craft products sell smoothly, ensuring stable outlets for producers.”

Through promotional programs, many OCOP products from the province have gained access to supermarkets, clean agricultural product stores, e-commerce platforms, and are gradually moving towards export. OCOP producers also have the opportunity to grasp market trends, adjust designs and packaging, and improve product quality to suit consumer tastes. Observations show that this year's Tet holiday consumer trends strongly favor products with clear origins, guaranteed quality, and traditional cultural values. OCOP products and traditional craft village specialties from Bac Ninh are chosen by many as Tet gifts due to their safety, meaningfulness, and attractive designs. Prices of goods are generally stable, suitable for many customer segments, contributing to keeping the Tet market vibrant but without major fluctuations.

With the coordinated efforts of all levels and sectors, the proactive participation of OCOP (One Commune One Product) entities, and positive market signals, agricultural products, processed agricultural products, and traditional craft villages in Bac Ninh continue to affirm their role as pillars in rural economic development. OCOP not only provides a boost to production during the Tet holiday but also opens up a sustainable path, helping craft villages preserve their identity, enhance their value, and gradually expand into domestic and international markets.

Text and photos: The Dai

Source: https://baobacninhtv.vn/ocop-suc-bat-cho-lang-nghe-postid437586.bbg