Ninh Binh develops OCOP products linked with tourism growth

Nearly 1,000 products ranked

With its diverse ecosystem, ranging from limestone mountains and plains to coastal areas, a rich and varied agricultural life, many long-standing traditional craft villages, and established tourism brands, Ninh Binh province has many favourable conditions for developing OCOP products linked to sustainable tourism development.

In recent years, households, cooperatives, businesses, and craft villages in Ninh Binh have formed a system of OCOP products that are both distinctive and diverse, spanning many sectors.

According to the Department of Agriculture and Environment, by April 2026, the province had nearly 1,000 OCOP products achieving 3 stars or higher, including seven products that have been ranked 5 stars.

This is not only proof of product quality, but also affirms the correct direction in the development of OCOP products in the province. In reality, after being recognised as OCOP products, most products have expanded their markets, increased revenue, created more jobs, and improved income for rural people.

According to Vice Chairman of the Ninh Binh Provincial People's Committee Tran Anh Dung, over the seven years of implementing the OCOP programme, many OCOP producers in the province have boldly innovated their mindset, invested in technology, improved production processes, and focused on brand building.

Many traditional agricultural products have been "upgraded" through deep processing, such as dried bananas, dried sweet potatoes, crispy sticky corn, turmeric starch, and golden flower tea… The application of science and technology not only helps extend shelf life but also increases product value compared to selling raw materials.

Tourism boosts OCOP product consumption

Dung also stated that one of Ninh Binh province's strategic directions is to link the development of OCOP products with tourism development. With the advantage of being a famous tourist destination, Ninh Binh province identifies tourism as an effective "bridge" to promote OCOP products.

Festivals, conferences, and seminars at tourist areas and attractions such as Trang An, Tam Coc - Bich Dong, Bai Dinh Pagoda all "integrate" activities to display, promote, and introduce the province's OCOP products.

In addition, many products are integrated into experiential tours, allowing tourists to directly participate in the production and processing of food and handicrafts, thereby gaining a better understanding of the local culture and people.

During her recent visit to Ninh Binh, Beth Bechdol, Deputy Director-General of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), highly appreciated the province's OCOP development model, which is linked to ecological agriculture and tourism development, especially the harmony between agricultural production, cultural preservation, and tourism development at many tourist destinations in the province./.