Each OCOP product is expected to activate the dynamism and "revive the vitality" of rural communities, said Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan at the Hanoi Lotus Festival 2024, which runs from July 12 to 16. 

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan (second from right) and delegates visit a booth at Hanoi Lotus Festival 2024. Photo: VGP

The Minister appreciated the efforts of the Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Tay Ho District, and other agencies in organizing the Hanoi Lotus Festival for the first time in conjunction with the event showcasing OCOP products and the culture of the northern mountainous region.

"Each OCOP product integrates multiple values, with pride in indigenous cultural values - a factor that differentiates OCOP products from one region to another. Today, people buy not only products, but the way that product is made, including the mindset, culture, stories, and emotions in the process of creating the product," Hoan said.

He called for many workshops to innovate packaging design and product identification, improve added value and product quality, capitalize on cultural values, and localize product identity. 

OCOP sticky rice products in Phu Thuong, Tay Ho District, showcased at Hanoi Lotus Festival 2024. Photo: Minh Phu

According to Minister Hoan, behind each OCOP product is the cooperation of many people who contribute to activating the rural economic sector and creating high value-added products. "Hanoi is on the right track in using native cultural values and local strengths to develop OCOP products. The introduction and promotion of OCOP products is associated with events and festivals that are professionally and attractively organized," he said.

The Hanoi Lotus Festival 2024, the city's first large-scale event of its kind, is in full swing and has attracted more than 5,000 participants.

As part of the festival, there will also be a workshop on the conservation and development of Vietnamese lotus, the inauguration of a center for the introduction and sale of OCOP products in Tay Ho District, a lotus installation art space, an exhibition of lotus photos in Vietnamese life, a program to promote tourism in the district, and a music night featuring works by famous Vietnamese composer Trinh Cong Son, among many other activities. 

Tay Ho Lotus Tea products are displayed at the OCOP Product Introduction and Sales Center in Tay Ho District, which is expected to become an attractive destination for residents and visitors. Photo: Minh Phu