In mid-December, Dong Thap, along with Cao Bang and Binh Dinh provinces, received the title at the National Startup Programme, initiated by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The province is showing off its brands and specialities

Within the event, the National Startup Forum featured discussions about a workforce for innovation and entrepreneurship and the best practices to promote innovation at universities.

The forum also shed light on the preparation and training of human resources towards innovative universities, as well as diversifying resources for innovative startups. This is coupled with proposing new policies and solutions for innovative startup activities, announcing and awarding outstanding projects, and presenting titles to localities and universities for building a startup ecosystem.

Upon receiving the title at the event, Pham Thien Nghia, Chairman of Dong Thap People’s Committee, said its development foundation is mainly based on agriculture.

“For a long time, the province has been associated with the image of diligent and creative farmers. Continuing this spirit, Dong Thap is entering a new stage to increase the value of agriculture through more modern value chains. The province not only helps farmers to cultivate rice but also maximise the value of agricultural products to create more income and grab opportunities for sustainable development,” Nghia said.

With the view that entrepreneurship is the beginning of a career, Dong Thap pays more attention to streamlining the process and startup concept to facilitate easy access for people, especially farmers. The entrepreneurial spirit has spread in the community without any limitation due to age, region, gender, or level of knowledge. Everyone, from elderly farmers to young people passionate about innovation, has the opportunity to turn their ideas into reality.

However, small farms are often afraid to switch to a business model, which is one of the most difficult challenges facing Dong Thap. To address this issue, the locality has restructured agriculture with a priority on changing mindsets and taking advantage of local resources. Local authorities have actively engaged in this endeavour to accompany and build trust for farmers to start a business.

To promote the startup movement, the province has established support organisations like the farmer association model, a business café, and a business club. The aim is to create a platform connecting individuals and organisations with innovative ideas so that they can exchange, learn, and share the startup experience.

A wide variety of startup competitions have also been launched to create a playground for people to present and turn their ideas into reality. Such initiatives create economic value and contribute to the development of a modern and confident farmer community that is closer to the homeland.

“Entrepreneurship in Dong Thap extends beyond economic gains to a revolution of mindset and working methods to elevate agriculture to a new height. With the existing foundation and the strong support from organisations, authorities, and businesses, Dong Thap continues to make pioneering efforts in the national startup movement of sustainable agriculture,” Nghia noted.

Dong Thap’s startup projects have achieved high rankings across many national and regional startup competitions. For example, four projects entered the final round of the Mekong Initiative 2024 competition. Specifically, one on the circular value chain to reduce emissions in the Alpha Amin aquaculture industry won the first prize, while Thuan Thien Viet Mekong Farmstay resort won the third prize.

Two other initiatives on green products produced from agricultural by-products and treatment of organic waste from the basa fish industry were also involved.

In addition, a scheme on producing OolongSen products (100 per cent fresh lotus leaves) entered the final round of the National Startup Project Development Programme 2024. Nine brands have been awarded the Vietnam Gold Star Award in 2024, such as Viet Nga Fertilisers, Chon Chinh Rice, and Phuong Thanh Dental Clinic.

Chairman Nghia said businesses continue to develop and raise their competitiveness, making a significant contribution to the state budget revenue.

“The startup ecosystem is increasingly improved and upgraded. The connection between startups and the One Commune, One Product programme is very effective in association with the development of local tourism and culture,” he said. “Despite important achievements, there are still many limitations. It is necessary to learn from experience, identify the situation, and propose effective solutions to develop business stronger. More support should be given to businesses to connect and expand the markets to achieve sustainable and effective development.”