Increasing the number of cooperatives, improving operational efficiency, promoting the high-tech applications and strengthening production value-chain linkages are key objectives for developing the provincial collective economy by 2027. To realise these objectives, Dak Lak is implementing a range of coordinated solutions, laying a solid foundation for the collective economy to grow effectively and sustainably.

In the H1 of the year, 56 new cooperatives were established province-wide, bringing the total number of operating cooperatives to 1,255. An additional 385 members joined, bringing the total membership to approximately 184,637. Alongside official members, cooperatives have also attracted affiliated members, including 34 enterprises, 276 farms and family farms, together with more than 15,500 production households.

Phu Yen High-Tech Tuna Cooperative’s tuna procurement and processing chain enhancing the value of the locality's distinctive seafood products.

The expanding cooperative network, coupled with the gradual formation of interconnected production communities, provides a foundation for enhancing competitiveness and developing sustainable value chains.

The 714 Agricultural Cooperative in Ea Pal commune was established in 2010 with 12 members. After 16 years of operation, it now has 55 members as well as more than 587 affiliated members. The expanded membership has enabled the cooperative to increase its charter capital above 1 billion VND while broadening its services, partnerships as well as consumer markets.

According to the provincial Cooperative Alliance, an increasing number of cooperatives are serving as connectors linking production communities with enterprises and markets, contributing to the formation of sustainable value chains. In the fisheries sector, Phu Yen High-Tech Tuna Cooperative has developed a tuna procurement alongside processing chain, establishing linkages between offshore fishermen and processing as well as export enterprises. Song Cau Lobster Cooperative is gradually improving its products while bringing distinctive local seafood to official export markets. In the services sector, production models integrated with rural and community tourism are also being effectively developed by cooperatives, contributing to improved production along with business efficiency alongside stronger links with local communities.

Further improving support policies

In recent years, the collective economy has benefited from support policies covering management capacity building, science and technology application, digital transformation, trade promotion, equipment investment, infrastructure development as well as stronger production value-chain linkages. In 2026 alone, the province earmarked 231 million VND for training alongside capacity building for cooperative personnel; 360 million VND to support consultancy services for the establishment of 14 new cooperatives; and more than 755 million VND from industrial promotion funding to support three cooperatives in investing in machinery as well as equipment.

Workers packaging products using a bag-sealing machine at Dong Hoa Lotus General Agricultural Production and Services Cooperative.

As a result, cooperatives have gradually improved operational efficiency and expanded linkages with enterprises and markets, laying a foundation for the sustainable development of the provincial collective economy. However, numerous cooperatives still face difficulties in benefiting from support policies. The province has proposed that the central government promptly finalise relevant mechanisms alongside provide guidance on implementing the 2023 Law on Cooperatives and Decree No. 113/2024/ND-CP, while allocating funding to support infrastructure and equipment investment alongside value chain development within the collective economy.

According to PPC Vice Chairman, comrade Nguyen Thien Van, in 2027, Dak Lak will continue developing the collective economy with greater diversity in organisational forms, scales and fields of operation, while encouraging the establishment of new cooperatives and improving the quality of existing models. Simultaneously, the province will continue effectively implementing the 2023 Law on Cooperatives, refining mechanisms coupled with policies, while strengthening the effectiveness of state management, thereby creating a favourable environment for the sustainable development of the collective economy.

Translated by KHUONG THAO