The programmes, costing VND4.8 billion, included fairs, exhibitions and business networking events in Vietnam and abroad. With limited resources, the province’s Center for Industrial Promotion and Trade Promotion has prioritised activities that offer practical opportunities for sales, distribution partnerships and market research.
At the first Spring Fair in Hanoi in February, 30 participating units from Gia Lai recorded sales of VND859 million.
At MM Mega Market Quy Nhon, nearly 50 businesses, cooperatives and household enterprises presented more than 100 OCOP products rated three to four stars, alongside other recognised rural industrial products.
Nguyễn Thị Thu An, a representative of Hải Bình Cashew Joint Stock Company in Hoi Phu Ward, said the programmes helped the company introduce its products, assess market demand and meet potential distribution partners. They also provided opportunities to improve products, packaging and standards to meet retail requirements.
Nguyễn Thị Bích Thu, the centre’s director, said its focus was on creating shared spaces where businesses and cooperatives could promote their goods, establish contacts and learn about markets.
For small producers, joining major fairs or approaching retailers and distributors independently can be difficult. Participating together helps reduce costs and allows them to observe how larger companies present products, build brands and engage customers.
The centre’s activities have increasingly focused on direct business connections alongside product displays.
At an event in Quang Ngai in mid-August reviewing socio-economic cooperation between Ho Chi Minh City and provinces and cities in the South Central Coast and Central Highlands, 18 Gia Lai units presented OCOP products rated at least three stars and other recognised rural industrial products.
The event connected local producers with six major distributors from Ho Chi Minh City.
In Cambodia, Gia Lai participated in the Stung Treng Province Investment Promotion Forum held from June 15 to 19. Eight booths displayed 53 products from 13 businesses and cooperatives.
Most of the products held OCOP ratings of three to five stars. Producers had invested in packaging and labelling, with product information translated into Khmer.
Over three days, the booths attracted nearly 1,000 visitors who sampled and bought products. Processed agricultural goods, including coffee, macadamia nuts, freeze-dried durian, grilled rice paper and roselle products, drew particular interest from Cambodian consumers.
Thu said participation in Cambodian events helped businesses understand local demand, distribution systems and potential export partnerships. More direct exchanges between businesses could strengthen trade promotion and support further access to neighbouring markets.
Online sales have provided another route for smaller producers. The centre has helped businesses connect with distributors online, organised livestream product presentations and maintained OCOP product sales on e-commerce platforms.
Nguyễn Thị Mỹ Phúc, owner of Hoàng Đông Bánh Ít Facility in Binh An Commune, said support for promotion on social media and online platforms had significantly increased its customer base. Some livestream sessions generated hundreds of orders from customers across several provinces and cities.
Alongside expanding sales opportunities, the programmes are helping producers improve product quality, packaging and digital sales capabilities as they build longer-term connections with buyers and distributors.
