Efforts to improve the quality of agricultural exports

In recent years, Tuyen Quang province’s export activities have made significant progress, helping to expand consumption markets and increase the economic value of local agricultural and industrial products. In particular, key products such as tea, plantation timber, cassava starch, sugarcane and OCOP products have increasingly affirmed their position in both domestic and international markets.

The green-kernel black bean tea bags of Hong Phat Organic Agricultural Cooperative are among the products exported to the United Kingdom.

Stable growth

According to statistics from the Department of Industry and Trade, the export value of Tuyen Quang province in August 2025 continued to maintain stability, with many agricultural products achieving positive export turnover. Enterprises and cooperatives have paid greater attention to product quality, by applying international standards to meet the stringent requirements of import markets. In particular, the tea industry, one of the province’s strengths, has expanded exports to demanding markets such as the EU, Japan, and the United States. In addition, plantation timber and wood products have continued to be highly valued by international partners for their quality and legal origin.

In August 2025, the total import and export value of Tuyen Quang province was estimated at USD 94.7 million, an increase of 47.6% compared to the same period last year. The cumulative figure for the first eight months reached USD 672.2 million, representing a 75.6% increase, equivalent to 87.3% of the annual plan. Of this, exports in August were valued at USD 75.1 million, a rise of 77.8%; the eight-month cumulative export value stood at USD 534.2 million, a growth of 106.7% year-on-year and fulfilling 98.9% of the annual plan. In contrast, import turnover in August reached USD 19.5 million, a decrease of 10.8% compared to the same period; the eight-month cumulative import value was USD 138 million, an increase of 11.1%, achieving only 60% of the annual plan.

These results clearly reflect a strong export trend, with agricultural products emerging as the main driver of the province’s economic growth. In the export structure, agricultural products account for a large proportion, led by key items such as tea, cassava starch, sugar, timber and wood products, as well as OCOP products processed from agricultural materials…

Opening export opportunities for OCOP products

In the context of a green economy and global integration, agricultural products seeking to penetrate international markets must simultaneously meet two requirements: High quality and transparent origin. This is also the strategic direction of many coopetratives in Tuyen Quang.

As a pioneer in organic farming, Ms. Pham Thi Hong, Director of Hong Phat Organic Agricultural Cooperative (Kim Binh commune), deeply understand the challenges of producing clean agricultural products. The cooperative’s green-kernel black bean tea bags were certified as a 4-star OCOP product in 2021 and recognized as an outstanding rural industrial product in 2022. By adhering to strict production processes and with support from various levels of authority, the cooperative now provides jobs for nearly 10 workers and generates an annual revenue of over VND 4 billion, with exports accounting for 20%. To expand further, Ms. Hong believes the cooperative needs more support in technology, digital transformation, and international trade skills. This is not only the demand of Hong Phat but also the common requirement of many cooperatives seeking integration.

Another success model is the Chieu Yen Clean Banana Cooperative. In 2024, their banana chips and dried bananas were certified as 3-star OCOP products and became among the first seven products of the province to be exported to the United Kingdom. In August, the cooperative continued with an export of 3,000 jars of bananas, reaffirming the strong growth potential of Tuyen Quang’s agricultural products.

Minh Quang Tea Cooperative (Thong Nguyen commune) has also made their mark with an organic Shan Tuyet tea production model based on a closed chain. With the participation of 129 households, the cooperative produces about 120 tons of fresh tea leaves annually, which are processed into a variety of products such as White tea, Black tea, and Pu-erh tea, etc. Many of their products have been recognized as 4-star OCOP items at the provincial level, with selling prices of VND 2 million - VND4 million per kilogram. The cooperative is also piloting new tea lines infused with medicinal herbs and fruits, targeting demanding markets such as the EU and the Middle East.

Mr. Cao Hung Dung, Chairman of the Provincial Cooperative Federation, said that the province currently has 1,546 cooperatives with nearly 35,000 members and a total operating capital of more than VND 1.6 trillion. Although new-style cooperatives have applied advanced technologies and developed OCOP products, they have still faced numerous challenges, including small scale, limited capital, difficulties in accessing preferential credit, and shortcomings in infrastructure and young human resources.

In the context of international integration, the demand for clean, traceable agricultural products that meet international standards is growing rapidly. This presents a major opportunity for the cooperative economy to develop, however, it requires cooperatives to innovate in management, accelerate digital transformation, ensure product transparency and build strong brands.

Trang Tam