The OCOP (One Commune One Product) product connection program, themed "Agricultural Products Festival," opened in Ho Chi Minh City, on December 20, according to a report from the Vietnam News Agency.

The State-run news agency quoted Mr. Do Van Tien, Deputy Director of the Agricultural Trade Service Center, as noting that this is the first OCOP product connection program held in Ho Chi Minh City. The event features 60 booths from production facilities and businesses across 17 provincial-level localities.

The series of events prioritizes support for OCOP entities in the Southern region and the Mekong Delta but also includes booths from Northern provinces showcasing local specialties. The products selected for display and trade connections must represent their localities and meet OCOP standards of 4 stars or higher.

As of the end of November 2024, Vietnam had 14,642 OCOP products rated 3 stars or higher, produced by 8,086 entities, mainly cooperatives, cooperative groups, and small businesses.

Notably, the Southern region and the Mekong Delta have a high concentration of OCOP products, accounting for nearly 25% of the country's total. However, OCOP products still face challenges in trade and market expansion, with many products not well-known to consumers and limited distribution channels.

In addition to direct introductions and connections at the event from December 20 to 22, the organizers will provide businesses with dedicated livestreaming spaces from 9:00am to 9:30pm each day, creating opportunities for entities to reach a broader audience.