Hanoi expands OCOP with 73 new local specialties

THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi added 73 products to its One Commune One Product (OCOP) Program in 2025, reinforcing the capital’s drive to elevate local specialties, preserve traditional industries and expand market access for high-quality rural goods.

According to a recent decision by the Hanoi People’s Committee, the newly certified products come from 28 producers participating in this year’s city-level OCOP Program. 

All items underwent a rigorous evaluation and grading process in line with national OCOP standards.

Among the certified products, 12 were identified as potential five-star items, 13 earned four-star ratings and 48 received three-star status. The products cover diverse categories, including food, agricultural produce, handicrafts and lifestyle goods.

Standout items include specialty milk cakes, freeze-dried yogurt, lotus silk scarves, 3D-painted ceramic vases, Duong Kien dong vermicelli, salted straw mushrooms, mushroom rice paper, Tan Uoc square sticky rice cakes, Dong Tien sweet pomelos and Phu Quy free-range chicken eggs.

OCOP ratings remain valid for 36 months from the date of issuance. Products awarded three or four stars in 2025 qualify for recognition and incentives under existing regulations, enabling producers to reinvest in quality improvement, branding and market expansion.

Nguyen Dinh Hoa, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Environment, said the capital has so far evaluated and classified more than 3,460 OCOP products rated three stars or higher, the highest total among localities nationwide.

He noted that many Hanoi-certified products now reach consumers through retail and distribution systems across Vietnam, earning strong market trust. Several high-quality items have also successfully entered overseas markets.

From July 1, 2025, following the implementation of the two-tier local government model, provincial-level authorities will take responsibility for evaluating three- and four-star OCOP products, while five-star items will undergo appraisal at the central level.

Hoa urged certified producers to continue upgrading product quality and strengthening links between production and consumption to increase added value and long-term competitiveness.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, by September 2025 Vietnam had more than 17,000 OCOP products rated three stars or higher. Hanoi alone accounts for one-fifth of the national total, maintaining its leading position.

In 2025, Hanoi evaluated 146 OCOP products, including 141 three-star and five four-star items. The ministry has also approved three additional five-star products proposed by the city, bringing Hanoi’s total to nine.

Ranging from ceramics and handicrafts to medicinal materials, these five-star products underscore the diversity and vitality of Hanoi’s traditional industries and its continued leadership in OCOP development nationwide.

Source: Decision No. 6464/QD-UBND dated January 26, 2025