Science and Technology Enable Mountainous Region Products to Join Modern Value Chain
At a seminar organized by the Industry and Trade Magazine, the critical role of science, technology, innovation, and e-commerce in integrating specialty products from mountainous regions into the modern value chain was discussed.
At a seminar organized by the Industry and Trade Magazine on September 21, the application of science, technology, and innovation in the production, distribution, and development processes of special products from high-altitude regions was addressed.
Purpose and Significance of the Seminar
The Industry and Trade Magazine organized a comprehensive seminar aimed at applying science, technology, and innovation in the production, distribution, and development of specialty products originating from high-altitude regions. During the event, the key bottlenecks hindering the potential of regional products were thoroughly examined.
This gathering was realized within the context of the Politburo's Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW dated December 22, 2024. In the relevant resolution, the development of science, technology, and digital transformation was designated as a strategic breakthrough at the national level.
Production and Technological Bottlenecks
Pham Quyet Tien, Deputy Director of the Agricultural Technology Support Research Institute, stated that the biggest problem is not a lack of machinery, but the absence of a synchronized technological system suitable for the scale of each region.
It was emphasized that production remains fragmented, seeds and processes are not standardized, and raw material quality control is ambiguous. The lack of appropriate pre-processing and drying technologies leads to high post-harvest losses.
Solution Areas of Science and Technology
It was stated that science and technology can create change in four critical areas: the standardization of seed processes, mechanization, quality control, investments in deep processing, and the digitization of raw material areas.
The Institute advocates for selecting cost-effective solutions tailored to standards and market demand, rather than expensive technologies.
Challenges in E-Commerce and Digital Skills
Bui Quang Cuong, Head of the Human Resources Development Board of the Vietnam E-Commerce Association, expressed that the level of e-commerce applications is unequal among ethnic minority communities.
Although e-commerce revenues continue to grow by 20 to 40 percent annually, a lack of digital skills and a declining number of sellers over the past three years point toward market consolidation.
Practical Problems Faced by Cooperatives
Tran Thi Thuy, Director of the Loc Thuy Quynh Agricultural Cooperative, shared that cooperatives targeting exports struggle to keep production records due to elderly members having limited access to smartphones.
Additionally, she noted that despite the need for expert personnel to operate the processing line, the cooperative lacks sufficient capital and personnel with up-to-date technology.