Vu Kim Hanh, the association’s chairwoman, said the association started to build Global Integration Standards (GIS) four years ago and has so far granted certificates to 159 Vietnamese firms.

The portal provides information in English about 24 local firms that meet GIS and are ready to connect with international partners, she said.

The association plans to provide training documents to entrepreneurs and farmers in aspects such as digital transformation, how to write a business plan, online trading, international standards, sustainable production, and business development in a circular economy besides market information and business opportunities, she said.

It plans to turn the portal into a regular trading platform with online showrooms and business matching, she added.

On the occasion, the association and Bureau Veritas, a recognised world leader in testing, inspection and certification services, signed an agreement for assessing and granting Localg.a.p certification to local producers.

Localg.a.p, a stepping stone between VietG.A.P (Vietnamese Goods Agricultural Practices) and GlobalG.A.P, marks an important milestone in the association’s journey to help agricultural co-operatives meet international standards.

Localg.a.p. (also known as primary farm assurance (PFA) standard) was developed by the association and GlobalG.A.P to facilitate exports by small farmers, who make up for more than 70 percent of Vietnam's agricultural sector.

Those seeking to upgrade to Localg.a.p standards will receive subsidies of 30 percent each from the association and local authorities./.

BTA