The presentation was based on results from Prosperity Initiative's initial analysis of the sector, which demonstrated a need for greater structure and a higher level of cooperation within the industry.

Based on initial interviews with growers, collectors, processors, and traders/exporters, Prosperity Initiative identified that there are significant shortages of quality coconuts available at affordable prices for processors. Ben Tre is thus unable to develop a fully integrated coconut processing industry that would help create higher value-added industry and sustained economic growth. The formation of a joint grower cooperative and processor trade association was proposed as a means of bringing together the actors in the local coconut value chain to foster an environment of greater cooperation and openness.

In the one-day forum, Levitan stimulated an open discussion amongst both groups by describing the efforts of coconut associations and cooperatives in other countries to organize their respective coconut sectors and what Ben Tre can learn from these efforts. He focused the discussions by promoting an open and frank dialogue between growers and processors regarding issues relevant to each group such as market prices, raw material inventories, technical obstacles, finance, advocacy and policy making.

Initial responses from the forum were positive, and Prosperity Initiative and Ben Tre will continue to discuss the possibilities in more detail over the coming months.