Can Tho (VNA) - Businesses in theMekong Delta city of Can Tho are facing challenges providing clean agriculturalproducts that conform to international standards, experts said on July 31 at a workshopheld in the city.

Tran Giang Khue, deputy head of theNational Office of Intellectual Property in Ho Chi Minh City, said thatenterprises should be aware of branding, which plays a major role in theoperation of an enterprise.

“Branding and intellectual property rightsshould be a top priority, he said, adding as soon as a business has a creativeidea or invention, it should proceed with intellectual property protectionactivities immediately to protect business secrets, including solutions, designsand trademarks.

When intellectual property rights areensured, company competitiveness is improved, which encourages creativity andsustainable development.

Nguyen Hoang Cung, Director of Dai Thuan ThienClean Agricultural Products Co. Ltd, said that businesses should seek toacquire certificates needed to protect their intellectual property rights.

Businesses should differentiate themselvesfrom other rivals and have a strong commitment to product quality, which is thecore value of a brand, he said.

When dealing with farmers, companies shouldhelp them become aware of their responsibilities, such as strictly followingcontracts and not breaking contracts when other traders offer higher purchaseprices.

Businesses also need to strictly controlthe buying of products from farmers to create “clean and competitive”agricultural products not only in the country but also for the internationalmarket.

A representative of Thanh Dat CleanAgricultural Cooperative in Vinh Thanh district said the challenges for cleanagricultural produce suppliers included high costs and strict procedures.

He said that customers without awareness ofproduct quality often expect a much cheaper price.

Experts recommended that businesses workclosely with the media to disseminate information to customers about cleanproducts and to inform them that higher prices may result.

Enterprises also need more support frompromotion centres and reputable distribution channels in order to createconsumer trust about their product quality.

In addition, enterprises need to seekmarkets when starting the first steps of production instead of delaying whenthe products are ready for sale.

Enterprises should also establish theirprestige through the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Pyramid, whichincludes economic, legal, ethical and philanthropic domains, experts said.

The top of the pyramid is the philanthropicdomain, indicating that benefits produced by businesses go beyond society’sexpectations.

The event was held by the Department ofScience and Technology in collaboration with the National Office ofIntellectual Property under the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the CanTho Farmers Association.-VNA