Lao Cai targets 60 additional OCOP products

The Lao Cai Provincial People's Committee has recently issued Plan No. 198/KH-UBND on the implementation of the One Commune One Product (OCOP) Program in 2026, setting out a range of specific targets to enhance the value of local specialty products and promote rural economic development.

Under the plan, Lao Cai aims to have at least 60 potential and advantageous products from communes and wards recognized as OCOP products rated 3 stars or higher. Of which, a minimum of five products meets 4-star standards. These products will be developed along value chains, with a focus on deep processing, product diversification, and quality improvement to meet market demand.

Alongside new product development, Lao Cai will consolidate and upgrade at least 50% of previously rated OCOP products. Priority will be given to products linked to brand building, rural tourism development, and the effective use of local advantages.

The province also pays attention to promoting the participation of cooperatives and small and medium-sized enterprises in the OCOP Program. It is expected that at least 60% of OCOP entities will be cooperatives and around 20% will be small and medium-sized enterprises.

In addition, Lao Cai targets at least 30% more OCOP entities developing value chains aligned with green OCOP standards and stable raw material areas, while expanding the number of traditional craft villages with OCOP products to help preserve and promote local traditional crafts.

In terms of human resources, the province targets at least 27% of workers at OCOP entities to hold relevant qualifications or certificates. The locality also encourages the participation of women and ethnic minorities in the production and business of OCOP products.

Under the 2026 implementation plan, digital transformation is identified as a key task to enhance the management, promotion, and consumption of OCOP products. Accordingly, 100% of newly recognized OCOP products rated 3 stars or higher will be supported with the OCOP logo added to their packaging.

Lao Cai will also accelerate data digitization and develop traceability systems along value chains through digital technologies. Around 80% of OCOP entities with certified products will be supported in building dedicated websites for promotion and e-commerce development. At the same time, at least 50% of OCOP entities are expected to participate in modern distribution channels such as supermarkets, convenience stores, and e-commerce platforms.

All OCOP products in Lao Cai are expected to be listed on e-commerce platforms, with digital storefronts and integrated e-payment systems to expand market access. To achieve these targets, the province will organize various training programs for OCOP entities in terms of packaging design, product storytelling, quality standards, intellectual property, digital transformation, and e-commerce.

Additionally, trade connectivity, marketing, and promotion activities for OCOP products across provinces and cities nationwide will continue to be strengthened to expand consumption markets for local products.

Lao Cai will also focus on supporting the application of science and technology in production, improving packaging and labeling, developing traceability systems, and assisting with intellectual property protection registration for OCOP products. The Lao Cai Department of Agriculture and Environment serves as the standing agency responsible for coordinating and implementing the OCOP Program. At the same time, coordinating with relevant departments, sectors, and local authorities to guide entities in completing documentation, ensuring quality standards and food safety, and organizing product evaluation and classification in accordance with regulations.

The synchronous implementation of these solutions is expected to create momentum for Lao Cai's rural economy to develop in a modern and sustainable direction, while enhancing the value and competitiveness of its local specialty products in the market.

The Lao Cai Provincial People's Committee has also issued a plan on the conservation and development of craft villages for the 2026-2030 period, aiming to preserve traditional cultural values associated with sustainable rural economic development. Under the plan, Lao Cai province targets at least 15% of craft villages to have products with intellectual property protection and 40% to have products meeting OCOP standards.