Hanoi has launched its first-ever B2B digital trade fair for One Commune One Product (OCOP) items on the Vietnamese-built platform Arobid.com, a move aimed at connecting local producers directly with international buyers and accelerating Vietnam’s push into global markets.

Nguyen Manh Quyen, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, revealed the news at the launch of the OCOPEX Online Exhibition, a digital fair running concurrently with the physical event of the OCOP Export Products Fair 2025 (Vietnam OCOPEX 2025), to take place in Hanoi for more than a month.

"Connecting local producers and international buyers marks a breakthrough in this year’s OCOPEX. The fair demonstrates authorities and businesses' determination in taking OCOP products global through digital transformation for local and international businesses to conduct negotiations and place orders," Quyen said.

OCOPEX Online Exhibition 2025 is a crucial part of Vietnam's strategy to promote OCOP products internationally and integrate them into global distribution networks. It emphasizes the importance of OCOP standards, quality control, and traceability for both domestic and export markets.

Hanoi is now home to over 3,300 OCOP-certified products, the highest number and representing 21.3% of the total nationwide, with six five-star products, 1,571 four-star products, and 1,718 three-star ones.

The Hanoi senior official expressed his hope that OCOP producers, with innovative determination, will keep improving their products and developing brands to conquer fastidious markets around the globe. "Many meet stringent international standards for quality, safety, and eco-friendly packaging," Quyen said. 

Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, added that the national-level trade promotion program features 300 booths from over 200 exhibitors, showcasing thousands of OCOP-certified items from 34 provinces and cities across the country.

"This has awakened the potential of the land, local specialties, comparative advantages, and especially local cultural values to form integrated OCOP products to enhance their quality and access export markets, targeting demanding markets," said Tan.

Products on display include tea, coffee, cashews, artisanal handicrafts, medicinal herbs, agarwood, essential oils, turmeric starch, and various agricultural and processed food products.

Notably, the fair also attracts international booths from countries such as Peru, Laos, and Cambodia, as well as business-matching from various trade units.

During the Vietnam OCOPEX 2025, a conference themed “Digital transformation application in developing export-oriented OCOP products” highlighted practical solutions to help local businesses improve product quality, embrace cross-border e-commerce, and tap into global markets sustainably.

"The conference focused on improving product quality, enhancing transparency, ensuring traceability, and expanding distribution networks, especially through global e-commerce platforms," Vu Ba Phu, Director of the Trade Promotion Agency, shared with The Hanoi Times.

He noted that the agency has collaborated with both domestic and foreign partners to design practical trade promotion activities, especially supporting firms to explore new market development channels.

"Digital transformation has helped exporters reduce costs, shorten order processing times, increase transaction speed, and expand their customer base, contributing to the country’s export performance," said Phu.

Vietnamese OCOP goods go global

Ngo Truong Son, Head of the Central Coordination Office for New-style Rural Development, said that Vietnam’s OCOP program has achieved remarkable success after six years of nationwide implementation.

"OCOP products are now making their mark on international markets, boosting incomes of farmers and promoting Vietnam’s culture and craftsmanship worldwide," said Son.

As of July 2025, a total of 17,068 OCOP products from 9,195 entities have been rated three stars or higher, 48 out of 79 five-star OCOP products, equivalent to nearly 61%, have successfully entered high-standard markets such as the US, Europe, and Japan.

According to Le Anh, Director of Le Gia Food and Trading Services Co., Ltd. in Thanh Hoa Province, home to a 200-year-old fish sauce-making tradition, the national five-star OCOP certification is more than just a title.

"The program represents the deep-rooted values of community-driven production. Our mission is to uphold the livelihoods of fishermen, salt farmers, and coastal workers while bringing the essence of Vietnamese cuisine to the world," Le Anh told The Hanoi Times.

Meanwhile, in Hanoi's Bat Trang Commune, Quang Vinh ceramics has carved out a strong reputation by blending heritage with modernity. Ha Thi Vinh, Director of Quang Vinh Ceramics Co., Ltd stressed the importance of preserving the craft passed down through generations.

"To stay competitive, the company has embraced a structured business strategy, integrating advanced technology into production and sending members abroad for training. Today, 95% of Quang Vinh’s products are exported to 30 countries, with its ultra-thin, lightweight ceramic line earning the prestigious five-star OCOP recognition," said Vinh.

The growing international presence of five-star OCOP products showed the ability of Vietnamese enterprises to scale up production while meeting stringent export requirements.

"Recent surveys by the Ministry of Industry and Trade show a strong global demand for OCOP products, particularly among Vietnamese communities in Europe and the US. Beyond economic gains, these products serve as cultural ambassadors, showcasing Vietnam’s rich traditions and local craftsmanship," said Ngo Truong Son.