The importance of innovation and technology in developing products native to mountainous regions
A special seminar discussed the technological and market deficiencies of products in mountainous areas, emphasizing the value chain from production to marketing.
At a seminar organized by the Industry and Trade Magazine, the technological, market, and digital skill deficiencies faced by specialty products in mountainous and ethnic minority regions were discussed.
Current Status of Mountainous Region Products
The seminar revealed that specialty products in mountainous regions possess a significant identity thanks to natural conditions and local raw materials, yet they still face limitations regarding productivity, scale, quality control, and market access.
Deficiencies in Technological Infrastructure
Pham Quyet Tien, Deputy Director of the Agricultural Technology Support Research Institute, stated that the biggest problem is not merely the lack of modern machinery, but the absence of a synchronized technological system tailored to the conditions of each region.
The fragmented nature of production, the lack of standardization of varieties, and the absence of appropriate post-harvest technologies lead to high rates of product loss.
Digital Skills and E-Commerce
Bui Quang Cuong, Head of the Human Resources Development Department at the Vietnam E-commerce Association, noted that the level of utilization of digital tools by businesses in ethnic minority regions is uneven and the digital skill gap is growing.
Examples of Successful Industrial Transformation
Tran Thi Thuy, Director of the Loc Thuy Quynh Agricultural Cooperative in Phu Tho province, shared that they transitioned to industrial production by transforming dragon fruit into noodles, through which they signed an agreement with a Chinese partner and are preparing to expand into Dutch supermarkets.
Areas of Focus for Innovation
Speakers emphasized that science and technology can create significant changes in four core areas: standardization, mechanization, post-harvest investments, and the digitization of information.
Future Support Activities
The Vietnam E-commerce Association announced that in the upcoming period, it will organize new activities aimed at enhancing digital skills and training human resources in the field of e-commerce for businesses and cooperatives in mountainous and ethnic minority regions.