VNCPC continues to collaborate with VIRI to implement the Eco-Fair 2

The program titled “Development of Eco-Fair women businesses in green and circular agriculture sector in Vietnam” (Eco-Fair 2) is funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented from 2024 to 2027 by the Vietnam Rural Industries Research and Development Institute (VIRI), in collaboration with the Vietnam Cleaner Production Centre Co. Ltd. (VNCPC).

The program is being carried out in four provinces: Bac Giang, Tuyen Quang, Binh Dinh, and Kien Giang. Its objective is to support women-led businesses, cooperatives, and individual business households or those with a high proportion of female workers (WB) in improving their access to sustainable employment and business opportunities within the green and circular agriculture sector. Additionally, the program aims to promote social welfare activities in local communities.

Within this program, VNCPC plays the following key roles:

  • Training and sharing information on sustainable agricultural practices to enhance the capacity of WBs in adopting eco-fair, green, and circular agricultural production and business activities (sustainable agriculture);
  • Providing technical consulting and guidance on the application of sustainable agricultural practices at WBs through hands-on support in Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP), thereby contributing to emission reduction and job creation for women;
  • Directly supporting the development of green and eco-fair agricultural models for WBs in local areas; and
  • Advising on business planning and financial linkages for businesses and cooperatives participating in the program to expand their production capacity and market access.

Previously, the “Promotion of supply and demand for Eco-Fair agri-food processing products in Vietnam” (Eco-Fair) project, funded by the EU, was implemented from April 2020 to May 2023. This project was carried out nationwide, supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) operating in key agri-food sectors such as meat processing, seafood, rice, cashew nuts, vegetables, and fruits.

The project contributed to enhancing production processes and improving product quality in the context of international integration. At the same time, it helped shift community perceptions and build greater trust in domestic agri-food products.

Through its participation in the project, VNCPC performed the following key activities:

  • Compiling and disseminating online courses on Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP);
  • Raising consumer awareness through online training programs, and establishing a network of ambassadors to drive positive change within the community;
  • Providing capacity building for 1,000 MSMEs in the field of the agri-food processing sector through accessible online learning platforms;
  • Raising awareness of eco-fair products and circular economy policies in the agri-food processing sector;
  • Conducting quick onsite assessments to identify opportunities for supporting 200 MSMEs in adopting more sustainable production practices;
  • Carrying out in-depth RECP assessment for 50 MSMEs to identify cost-saving opportunities, reduce product prices, and improve access to both domestic and foreign markets; and
  • Training for MSMEs on procedures and opportunities to access green financial resources, and supporting businesses in need in preparing bankable projects to apply for funding.

VNCPC