Speaking at the opening, Hoang Van Du, Deputy Director of the Agricultural Trade Promotion Centre under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, said that over the years, the craft village and rural craft sectors have played an important role in agricultural economic development, contributing to improving people’s livelihoods, eradicating hunger, reducing poverty, and building new-style rural areas.
Statistics show that Viet Nam counts over 5,400 craft villages, of which roughly 1,500 villages are in the Red River Delta, including 300 traditional ones. These craft villages not only preserve unique cultural values but also hold great potential for economic growth and rural tourism. However, many still face challenges such as limited access to capital, production premises, and digital technology, as well as issues of environmental pollution, small-scale operations, and slow innovation in product design.
With the aim of strengthening value chain connections and celebrating the creativity of artisans and craftsmen, this year’s Fair features 150 booths and an exhibition space of over 1,000 square metres showcasing outstanding OCOP products. The event gathers craft villages, craft streets, associations, cooperatives, enterprises, and agricultural and rural service establishments from across the country.
The Fair presents a rich array of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products, food and beverages, agricultural materials, souvenirs, and regional specialties, along with exemplary OCOP products.
In addition to the exhibitions, a series of thematic events is taking place, including a seminar on product consumption linkages; the Lang Son OCOP and agricultural specialties promotion week; an exhibition on craft village culture, cuisine, and tourism; live artisan demonstrations; and exchange and learning activities among exemplary craft villages.
