MANAGEMENT OF THE KRONG ANA RICE CERTIFICATION MARK IN THE CONTEXT OF VIETNAM'S TWO-TIER LOCAL GOVERNMENT SYSTEM: CURRENT STATUS AND PROPOSED GOVERNANCE MODEL

Tóm tắt

The Krong Ana Rice Certification Mark is an important intellectual property asset that contributes to enhancing product value and promoting the development of the rice sector in Dak Lak Province. However, the implementation of the two-tier local government system from July 1, 2025, has significantly altered the management structure of the certification mark, as the district-level authority that previously served as the managing entity no longer exists. This study aims to analyze the current management status of the Krong Ana Rice Certification Mark under the new administrative framework, identify emerging governance gaps, and propose an appropriate management model. The study employs document analysis, semi-structured interviews, and expert consultations involving 46 stakeholders, including local government officials, cooperatives, enterprises, rice-producing households, and experts from three communes within the Krong Ana rice production area. The findings indicate that while the administrative restructuring has not affected the legal validity of the certification mark, it has created several governance challenges, including the absence of a unified coordination mechanism across the production area, difficulties in granting and supervising the use of the certification mark, limitations in quality control, and weak inter-communal coordination. Based on these findings, the study proposes an inter-communal management model organized around production areas and value chains to ensure the effective utilization and sustainable development of the Krong Ana Rice Certification Mark within the new local government structure.