In the context of deepening international economic integration, the application of science and technology to agricultural value chains and local specialty products has become more urgent than ever. Aiming to raise awareness, share experiences, and introduce new technological solutions in this field, at 8:00 AM on June 17, 2025, the Can Tho Center for Application of Scientific and Technological Advances organized a scientific workshop entitled “Applying Technology to Enhance the Quality and Competitiveness of Local Specialty Products.”

The workshop was held at the Can Tho Center for Application of Scientific and Technological Advances (166 Nguyen Van Cu Street, An Binh Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho) with the participation of 100 delegates, including experts, researchers, business representatives, government officials, and representatives from universities and research institutes across the Mekong Delta region.

Participants were carefully selected to create a multi-dimensional forum that connects policymakers, scientists, startups, and local producers. In addition to the host organization, the Can Tho Center for Application of Scientific and Technological Advances, the event welcomed prominent speakers from various fields:

• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Duy Dat – Head of the Faculty of Economics and International Business, University of Commerce
• MSc. Nguyen Thanh Viet – Institute for Applied Technology and Sustainable Development, Nguyen Tat Thanh University
• Mr. Tran Quoc Toan – Orgen International Investment and Trade Development JSC, representing the SASAKI brand – an accelerated cold-drying technology provider

The workshop also welcomed representatives from the Department of Science and Technology of Hau Giang, the Soc Trang Center for Scientific and Technological Applications, the Mekong Delta Rice Institute, along with various sub-departments, farmer associations, agricultural extension stations, cooperatives, and educational institutions such as Can Tho University, Southern Can Tho University, Kien Giang University, Tay Do University, Viet My College, and FPT Polytechnic Can Tho. Their presence enriched the discussions and expanded opportunities for cooperation and technology transfer.

The focal point of the workshop was the three keynote presentations delivered by the guest speakers, offering practical insights relevant to local contexts in the Mekong Delta.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Duy Dat opened the program with the presentation: “Commercialization and Marketing Strategies for Local Specialty Products in the Digital Transformation Era.” His talk emphasized the importance of innovative business thinking and the use of digital platforms for product positioning, branding, and distribution. According to him, taking local products to broader markets requires not only good products but also a strategic and cohesive branding plan, from packaging and traceability to sales channels.

Next was MSc. Nguyen Thanh Viet with his presentation: “Application of Freeze-Drying Technology in Developing Dried Fruit Specialties in the Mekong Delta.” He analyzed the outstanding advantages of freeze-drying technology, such as preserving color, flavor, and nutrients while extending shelf life. This technology elevates dried fruit from semi-processed goods to premium products, aligning with modern consumption trends and enabling export to high-demand markets.

The final presentation was delivered by Mr. Tran Quoc Toan, who introduced the SASAKI accelerated smart cold-drying system. This closed-loop model features low energy consumption and integrates AI to control temperature, humidity, and airflow. It has been successfully tested on various fruits such as mango, banana, and durian. The system's operational flexibility and ability to retain nutritional content have made it popular among cooperatives and small enterprises.

During the discussion session, many delegates voiced challenges in bringing local specialty products to market, including high technological costs, the lack of successful case studies, difficulties in brand building, small-scale production, and especially, the lack of supportive policies encouraging businesses to adopt advanced technologies.

However, the case studies presented at the workshop showed tSpeakers’ Exchange and Discussionhat the technological gap is gradually narrowing, thanks to support from universities, research institutes, and technology transfer units. Some businesses and cooperatives have boldly invested in technology and made their mark with products like freeze-dried mango, packaged herbal tea, and vegetable powders.

The workshop was not only a platform for sharing knowledge but also a bridge to foster technology transfer, match supply with demand, and support local producers in improving product quality through the application of advanced solutions.

In the face of climate change, market volatility, and increasingly strict consumer demands, integrating technology into production, processing, preservation, and distribution is no longer optional—it is a necessity for sustainable and competitive development. Events like this workshop serve as a source of inspiration, promoting innovation and driving transformation for local products in the digital age.