On October 17, 2025, a scientific workshop titled “Swiftlet Farming and Official Export of Edible Bird’s Nests to the Chinese Market” was held in Đồng Tháp Province. The event was jointly organized by the Department of Industry and Trade of Đồng Tháp, the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Đồng Tháp, Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade (HUIT), and Trí Sơn Trading and Services Co., Ltd.

Overview of the seminar

The seminar was organized with the aim of fostering connection and knowledge sharing among researchers, experts, businesses, and state management agencies, with a focus on solutions to promote the official export of Dong Thap Province’s edible bird’s nest products to the Chinese market. This event formed part of the research project entitled “Solutions to Promote the Official Export of Edible Bird’s Nest Products from Tien Giang Province to the Chinese Market.”

Dr. Bùi Hồng Đăng, Vice Chairman in Charge of the University Council of Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade, delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of linking industries and building a foundation for the sustainable development of the bird’s nest export sector, while also affirming the role of inter-agency cooperation in enhancing the value of bird’s nest products.

Dr. Bùi Hồng Đăng, Vice Chairman in Charge of the University Council of Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade

The presentations delivered at the seminar provided a comprehensive overview of the bird’s nest farming industry, from breeding, care, and harvesting processes to modern management methods aimed at improving the quality of bird’s nest products. In particular, the seminar highlighted the necessity of complying with international standards in order to export edible bird’s nest products to China, a highly promising market that also imposes strict requirements regarding product quality and traceability.

Mr. Bùi Băng Sơn, Director of Trí Sơn Trading and Services Co., Ltd., presents Paper 1: Bird Attraction, Care, and Harvesting Practices in Accordance with Export Standards

The first presentation, delivered by Mr. Bùi Băng Sơn, Director of Trí Sơn Trading and Services Co., Ltd., opened with an overview of the bird’s nest farming profession. He shared detailed insights into the process of attracting swifts, caring for them, and harvesting bird’s nests in compliance with export standards. In particular, he emphasized the importance of maintaining bird’s nest quality through sustainable farming practices, environmental protection, and strict adherence to the requirements of international markets, especially China.

Dr. Trần Anh Hoa, Vice Rector of UEH College of Business, presents Paper 2: Lean Production Management Methods in Business Operations

Next, Dr. Trần Anh Hoa, Vice Rector of UEH College of Business, delivered a highly practical presentation on the Lean Production method. Dr. Trần Anh Hoa explained in detail how lean management principles can be applied to the production of edible bird’s nests. This approach not only helps reduce costs, but also enhances production efficiency, minimizes waste, and optimizes production processes.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lê Nguyễn Đoan Duy, Dean of the Faculty of Food Technology at Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade, presents Paper 3: Traceability of Edible Bird’s Nest Products: Current Situation and Solutions

In his presentation, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lê Nguyễn Đoan Duy, Dean of the Faculty of Food Technology at Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade, analyzed the issue of traceability in edible bird’s nest products. He pointed out the current situation concerning product origin, including the challenges involved in ensuring the transparency and reliability of product information.

Mr. Lê Minh Sang, M.A., Deputy Head of the Trade Management Division of the Dong Thap Department of Industry and Trade, presents Paper 4: Official Export of Edible Bird’s Nest Products to the Chinese Market

Finally, Mr. Lê Minh Sang, M.A., Deputy Head of the Trade Management Division of the Dong Thap Department of Industry and Trade, delivered an important presentation on the export of edible bird’s nest products to the Chinese market. He analyzed the factors creating both opportunities and challenges for the official export of edible bird’s nest products to China.

The panel chairing the discussion session, including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trần Phước, Mr. Lê Minh Sang, M.A., and Mr. Bùi Băng Sơn

The discussion session created an opportunity for delegates to exchange ideas, provide feedback, and propose practical solutions for improving product quality, optimizing export processes, and developing the promising Chinese market. The panel, consisting of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trần Phước, Mr. Lê Minh Sang, M.A., and Mr. Bùi Băng Sơn, chaired and moderated the discussion.

This seminar was not only an occasion to share experience and knowledge, but also an opportunity for relevant stakeholders to build closer cooperative relationships, thereby promoting the sustainable development of Vietnam’s bird’s nest farming industry, enhancing product value, and expanding its reach to the global market. The outcomes and solutions proposed at the seminar will serve as an important stepping stone for Vietnamese edible bird’s nest products to affirm their position in the international market.

The seminar concluded in a lively and productive atmosphere, with many practical ideas, initiatives, and solutions being proposed

With the contributions of experts and the close cooperation among relevant agencies, the seminar concluded successfully, helping to promote the bird’s nest farming industry and the export of edible bird’s nest products in Dong Thap Province in particular and Vietnam in general.