Empowering cooperatives to keep pace with the digital economy.

In the context of digital transformation becoming an inevitable trend in the economy, Can Tho City has been implementing many solutions to support the collective economic sector and cooperatives in innovating management methods, improving operational efficiency, and expanding consumer markets. As a result, many models applying digital technology have proven effective, contributing to opening up new development directions for the collective economy in the digital age.

Trading activities at Can Tho Green Agricultural Products Cooperative.

To help cooperatives adapt to the modern business environment, the Can Tho City Cooperative Union, in coordination with city departments and agencies, has implemented numerous training programs, workshops, and specialized seminars on digital transformation; guiding the application of information technology in management and operation, electronic data storage, tax declaration and settlement, the use of digital signatures, electronic invoices, and platforms for online transactions. As a result, many cooperatives have changed their management mindset, proactively applying technology to production and business in a more professional and modern direction.

Currently, Can Tho City has approximately 890 cooperatives and 9 cooperative unions operating in various sectors and fields. Most cooperatives are equipped with computers, smartphones, and tablets with internet access to support their operations, production, and business activities. Many cooperatives have quickly adapted to the digital market by effectively utilizing e-commerce platforms and social networks such as Facebook, Google, Shopee, and TikTok Shop to promote their products, connect with customers, expand their reach, and improve business efficiency and competitiveness.

As one of the exemplary models in applying digital technology to business operations, the Can Tho Green Agricultural Products Cooperative in Thuan Hung ward has proactively integrated technology into management and built a supply chain for agricultural products. In addition to connecting production and consumption between farmers and the cooperative, the cooperative also utilizes the KiotViet sales management software; combining it with Zalo, Facebook, and other e-commerce platforms to introduce products, provide customer service, and expand its market.

According to Ms. Nguyen Minh Thuy Tran, Director of Can Tho Green Agricultural Products Cooperative, in addition to direct sales at the store, the cooperative regularly updates product information, prices, and seasonal vegetables and fruits on online platforms for customers. This not only helps the cooperative improve sales efficiency but also contributes to building consumer trust by publicly disclosing the origin and quality of the products. Furthermore, the cooperative is also developing a model for growing leafy and fruiting vegetables in greenhouses to provide safe agricultural products for consumers.

According to Ms. Tran, the Can Tho Green Agricultural Products Cooperative aims to continue investing in preliminary processing, packaging, and building a distribution system for safe agricultural products. To maintain its reputation in the market, most of the products distributed by the cooperative meet food safety standards, VietGAP, or OCOP. Currently, the cooperative purchases more than 30 tons of vegetables and fruits each month from farmers and cooperatives inside and outside the city. Connecting production and consumption with the application of technology is contributing to the formation of a transparent supply chain and enhancing the value of local agricultural products.

Digital transformation is not only in the commercial sector, but it also opens up new development opportunities for transportation service cooperatives. At Hung Phu Water and Land Cooperative in Hung Phu ward, the application of technology to transportation management is yielding clear results. Currently, the cooperative has over 390 members who are vehicle owners, with more than 400 vehicles operating in passenger and cargo transportation. According to Mr. Le Hoang Hai, Director of Hung Phu Water and Land Cooperative, in an increasingly competitive environment, the application of technology is a crucial factor in improving operational efficiency and service quality for members. The cooperative has invested in a comprehensive system of computers, management software, GPS tracking devices, and vehicle tracking systems for each vehicle as required. Through the monitoring center, the cooperative can track vehicle routes, promptly assist members in handling incidents, and enhance safety in transportation operations.

In addition, Hung Phu Water and Land Transport Cooperative also organizes many services to support members in signing transportation contracts and connecting with markets; it also organizes online exchange groups to quickly update new regulations in the transportation sector, share route information, and support business activities for members. Thanks to the application of technology in management and operation, the cooperative is gradually improving service quality, reducing operating costs, and creating a stable source of income for its members.

According to Mr. Vo Minh Canh, Chairman of the Can Tho City Cooperative Alliance, digital transformation is opening up many opportunities for the collective economic sector to improve operational efficiency, increase competitiveness, and expand consumer markets. However, to enable cooperatives to accelerate their digitalization process, relevant agencies at all levels need to continue promoting training and skill development in digital skills for management staff and cooperative members; strengthen the organization of forums to share experiences and visit effective digital transformation models; and mobilize additional resources to support investment in technological infrastructure and modern equipment. Mechanisms are needed to attract high-quality human resources, especially in information technology and artificial intelligence, to participate in the collective economic sector and cooperatives. This will create conditions for cooperatives to enhance their competitiveness, adapt to the trend of digital economic development, and contribute to promoting local economic development in a modern and sustainable direction.

Text and photos: MY HOA

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/tiep-suc-hop-tac-xa-bat-nhip-kinh-te-so-a205874.html