Phu Tho Science and technology contribute to improving the quality of OCOP products

DNHN - Since 2019, Phu Tho province has implemented the one-community-one-product (OCOP) programme, in which science and technology (S&T) play an important role in promoting the rapid and sustainable development of OCOP products.

After four years of implementation, the OCOP Programme in Phu Tho province has yielded initial significant results, creating a spillover effect that has had a significant impact on rural socioeconomic development. Numerous businesses and production facilities registered to participate in product evaluation and classification, and numerous OCOP products with a local focus have been recognised.

Participating products in the OCOP Programme are evaluated based on specific criteria, graded, and "starred" to assist manufacturers and consumers in locating the product's quality and reputation. This has resulted in a race between localities and producers to improve the quality and value of OCOP products, with science and technology playing a crucial role in promoting development and enhancing quality.

Key programmes and plans of the S&T industry are centred on consulting and supporting economic sectors with key products and commodities that are typical of the province on which consulting and supporting have been centred. Support for the application of technology transfer and technical advances in production and processing; assist in the creation and protection of intellectual property for products in forms such as geographical indications, collective marks, and certification marks; support for the application of advanced management systems such as ISO 9001 quality management system, ISO 14001 environmental management system; and support for the creation and protection of intellectual property for products in forms such as geographical indications, collective marks, and certification marks.

During the period from 2019 to 2022, the provincial Department of Science and Technology guided businesses in the province to propose technological innovation projects, conducted inspection and evaluation, and submitted to the People's Committee for support 43 technological innovation projects of 43 enterprises with a total budget of VND 15,370 million. Currently, over 300 technological processes have been transferred and implemented; over 500 personnel have been trained on technological processes, and over 10,000 individuals have received technical training; 354 diplomas are protected by intellectual property in the province; 50 products have received packaging support.

Mr Khong Danh Dat, Deputy Director of the Department of Science and Technology of Phu Tho province, stated that the Department of Science and Technology will continue to offer advice and assistance to the Sai Nga Conical hat cooperative, Cam Khe district, and Ren village conical hat craft village. By the end of 2023, Phu Ninh district will have four additional conical hat products that meet or exceed three-star quality standards.

Simultaneously, through the actual implementation of the OCOP Programme, along with budgetary support resources, each enterprise, cooperative, and business establishment boldly mobilise its resources in a variety of effective ways to promote the application of science and technology to the production of valuable and high-quality goods.

According to Mr Dat, the Department of Science and Technology will continue to advise the Provincial People's Committee to direct and promote the application of science and technology in production and life in general, and for the OCOP Programme in particular, by the programme and plan in the upcoming period. Approved, which will research and propose several new consulting and support contents for subjects participating in the OCCOP programme, such as Startup support, innovation; IT application support, digital transformation; Support of intelligent production tools, and intelligent service.

P.V