Binh Thuan: Utilising agricultural products for commercial promotion

DNHN - On the morning of August 22, 2023, the Department of Science and Technology of the province of Binh Thuan hosted a conference on building and developing geographical indication brands for two of the province's most iconic products: dragon fruit

The conference drew agencies, units, and businesses involved in the production and distribution of these two products in the province to find ways to enhance the brand's value and reputation. Geographical indications "Binh Thuan" for dragon fruit and "Phan Thiet" for fish sauce products contribute to the expansion of domestic and international markets for consumption.

Mr. Nguyen Hoai Trung, Deputy Director of the Department of Science and Technology of Binh Thuan province, emphasized at the opening of the conference that the trademark "Binh Thuan Dragon Fruit, picture" has been protected in thirteen European Union countries. EU) and Japan, while simultaneously protecting the trademark "PHAN THIET SOIL - FISHSAUCE & pictures" in three countries, namely the United States, Thailand, and Cambodia. In addition, the province has 38 intellectual property-protected community marks, including 30 collective marks and 8 certification marks, and 76 OCOP-starred products. These are brands that are favored by both domestic and international consumers, which facilitates market expansion and business growth.

However, building a brand based on a geographical indication still faces numerous obstacles, such as imitation and counterfeit goods, trade barriers, a lack of management information, and a lack of traceability. This impacts the value and reputation of local products. Therefore, businesses must be equipped with the knowledge and abilities necessary to exploit and safeguard their intellectual property.

At the conference, experts discussed the application of traceability technology, trade promotion, intellectual property exploitation, innovation, and digital transformation in OCOP product management and development. Experts have also advised businesses on how to register and utilize trademarks and geographical indications by Free Trade Agreements.

The conference provides businesses and production facilities in the province with an opportunity to interact with and learn from intellectual property specialists. This is also a motivation for businesses to continue brand development and increase the value of agricultural products from Binh Thuan.

Van Nguyen -- Quang Duy