However, the number of cooperatives capable of participating in stable export activities remains limited, falling short of the potential of the collective economic sector. The biggest bottlenecks identified are fragmented production, weak linkages, and the failure to meet international standards.

When “everyone goes it alone” becomes the biggest barrier

In Ca Mau Province, home to a large-scale aquatic production ecosystem, this reality is clearly visible. Do Thanh Nghi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Hung Hiep Tien Cooperative, said the province has as many as 30 cooperatives producing fish cakes, but each operates in its own way, without shared standards or technology. “Large numbers do not equal strength. Without linkages and without standardising processes, brands, and technology, cooperatives find it very difficult to compete, especially in demanding markets such as Europe,” Nghi observed.

To access high-value export markets, particularly the EU — where requirements on quality, food safety and traceability are stringent — cooperatives must create economies of scale through sectoral linkages. However, most cooperatives lack the resources to meet these requirements on their own. According to Nghi, local authorities need to play a leading role in planning concentrated raw material areas, establishing unified quality control mechanisms, and providing support in capital, technology transfer, and technical training.

Nguyen Hoang An, Chairman of Cai Bat Cooperative (Phu My Commune, Ca Mau Province), also stressed that applying technology is only a necessary condition; the sufficient condition is replanning production areas in line with international standards. “Cooperatives really want to invest in machinery and equipment, apply electronic logs or traceability systems, but if the farming areas do not meet standards from the outset, all efforts will bring limited results. We need stronger involvement from the authorities to create a solid production foundation,” An emphasised.

Local leaders acknowledge these challenges. Huynh Chi Nguyen, Vice Chairman of the Ca Mau Provincial People’s Committee, said the province’s agricultural and fisheries cooperatives have made positive contributions to value chains of key products such as shrimp, crab, and rice. Nevertheless, difficulties in accessing science and technology, promoting digital transformation, innovation, and finding stable export markets remain major barriers preventing many cooperatives from entering international markets.

Statistics from the Viet Nam Cooperative Alliance show that only about 26% of cooperatives have standard-compliant traceability systems; more than half have no brand or have not registered brand protection; many still operate manually, keeping production records on paper, and fail to meet data transparency requirements — an essential condition for joining global supply chains.

Green transition and digital transformation — “Two wings” enhance export capacity

The Chairman of the Viet Nam Cooperative Alliance noted that the Viet Nam–EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) is opening a golden opportunity for Vietnamese products, in which cooperatives play an important role as they are directly linked to agricultural production chains and the livelihoods of millions of households. To seize this opportunity, cooperatives must comprehensively transform their business mindset, governance models, and production standards.

Nguyen Hoang An (Cai Bat Cooperative) said digital transformation is no longer a trend but a mandatory requirement. “We understand that technology application and green production are necessary, but cooperatives can only do this well with coordinated efforts among the State, enterprises, and experts to ensure consistency,” he said.

From an international perspective, Hoang Van Tu, representative of the Sustainable Food Systems Ireland organisation, assessed that the “dual transition” — green transition combined with digital transformation — is the vital driver enabling Vietnamese cooperatives to enhance competitiveness. Requirements for data transparency, real-time production monitoring, quality control, environmental management, and traceability are becoming compulsory standards in global value chains.

According to Hoang Van Tu, technologies such as electronic logs, QR codes for traceability, environmental monitoring systems for farming areas, production management software, and shared data platforms help cooperatives ensure transparency — an aspect international markets place at the forefront.

Irish expert Michael Murphy noted that the EU market is “difficult but not closed”. Standards such as GlobalGAP, HACCP, BRC, IFS, or EU Organic are not barriers but “passports” helping cooperative products build credibility with importers. “If standards are met, Vietnamese producers can absolutely knock successfully on the EU market’s door,” Murphy stressed.

Value-chain linkages are the most sustainable route to international markets

Recent experience shows that the most successful cooperatives are those following value-chain linkage models. Many localities have developed concentrated raw material areas, connecting cooperatives with processing and export enterprises. In the first half of 2025 alone, 353 cooperatives nationwide participated in concentrated raw material zones, and 87 sectoral linkage chains were formed, reducing raw material costs by 15–20% while improving product quality.

Some standard-compliant cooperatives have exported directly to demanding markets. For example, a group of OCOP cooperatives in the Mekong Delta has exported organic fruit to the EU, achieving revenues of nearly 100 billion VND per year. These models demonstrate that when production is standardised, data are transparent, and enterprises take the lead, cooperative products can compete on equal terms in international markets.

However, for value-chain linkage models to be scaled up, the Viet Nam Cooperative Alliance believes cooperatives urgently need support in coordinated raw material planning; technology transfer; green credit; brand building; trade promotion; human resource training; and the development of shared digital data systems. These are major undertakings that cooperatives cannot accomplish on their own without the accompaniment of the State and enterprises.