Mekong Delta OCOP forum kicks off

The annual One-Commune-One-Product (OCOP) forum of the Mekong Delta, which accounts for 55% of Vietnam’s rice output, 56% of fisheries, and 32% of fruit, opened in An Giang province on the evening of September 25.

Running through September 28, the event features a regional OCOP trade connection conference chaired by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, an OCOP product contest, and a trade fair.

Speaking at the opening, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Tran Thanh Nam highlighted that over the past 15 years, the national target programme on new-style rural development has achieved major breakthroughs, with the OCOP scheme emerging as a key driver of rural economic growth.

With significant potential and advantages, the Mekong Delta now has the second-highest number of OCOP products nationwide, after the Red River Delta, with over 3,900 products rated three stars or higher, produced by more than 2,000 OCOP entities. Of these, food products account for the majority, at 82.3%.

Nam stressed that these results demonstrate an effective approach in tapping into the region’s strengths in fruit, fisheries, and rice, creating distinctive products that carry its identity.

For the 2026-2030 period, he urged localities to draw up development plans with a focus on improving quality management, building reputable brands for domestic and export markets, and promoting environmentally friendly, green, and sustainable growth. The official also called for linking OCOP products with tourism, traditional cultural festivals, and open promotional events.