With numerous concerted and effective solutions, over the recent past, Hoa Binh province has actively supported and promoted the startup movement in ethnic minority areas, thereby spreading the spirit of self-reliance and resilience of local people in investing in building efficient livelihood models.
Giang A La (left) is one of the young pioneers in the startup movement in Hang Kia commune (Mai Chau).
Giang A La, a Mong ethnic man born and raised in Hang Kia commune (Mai Chau), left many impressions at the final round of the "2021 Business Initiative Challenge" competition with his friendly and likeable look and always full of energy. Not only did he bring creative startup ideas to the competition, Giang A La also brought ambition and desire to change the poor countryside where he lives. In June 2020, Hang Kia Agricultural and Tourism Service Cooperative was established, and 24-year-old Giang A La was the youngest member but entrusted to hold the position of its director. With two main professions of service business and agricultural production, cooperative members have taken the advantage of local potential and advantages to boost the development of community-based tourism and eco-tourism associated with activities to experience indigenous cultural identity such as beeswax painting and ‘banh day’ (round sticky rice cake) making. Agricultural products by locals are supported by the cooperative to be sold at tourism service establishments at stable prices. In addition, the cooperative creates jobs for local labourers with an average income of 4 - 5 million VND (157-196.4 USD)/person/month.
Giang A La shared that during the start-up process, the cooperative has received support, advice, and direction from the local Party Committees and authorities to increase the value of typical local agricultural products.
According to preliminary statistics, the province currently has over 680 economic models owned by youths, of which the majority are led by young ethnic minorities; and nearly 400 are in the field of agriculture and forestry. These models create jobs for nearly 1,000 youth union members and young people.
Over the recent years, Hoa Binh has stepped up information and dissemination activities to raise awareness and entrepreneurial spirit in ethnic minority areas, especially among young people. Activities to support and encourage start-ups have been implemented by all levels, sectors and localities in different fields. Attention has been paid to calling on businesses and investors to support and develop startup ideas of young people. This is an important premise to develop start-up models in the locality.
Currently, the provincial Party Committee and authorities, especially the Committee for Ethnic Minorities Affairs, are accelerating the progress of implementing contents and projects under the national target programme for socio-economic development of ethnic minority and mountainous areas for the 2021 – 2025 period, including increasing support for production and production chain development, projects and models; along with investment in developing medicinal growing areas.
Hoa Binh province’s economy posted an impressive Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) growth rate of 12.67% in the first quarter of 2025, representing a 12.76% year-on-year increase, the highest rate recorded since the beginning of the current tenure, according to the provincial Statistics Office. This robust growth reflects years of strategic groundwork and sets a strong foundation for the province’s annual growth target of over 10%.
With a focus on cash crop farming with science - technology application and brand building, Lac Thuy district is gradually increasing production value, improving people's life quality, and laying the foundation for sustainable socio-economic development.
In recent years, the economic development model "Hoa Binh Earthworm Farm” run by Mr. Bui Van Dang in Co Giua Hamlet, My Thanh Commune (Lac Son district) has not only brought stable economic value but it is also environmentally friendly, helping to protect and reduce pollution, contributing to the construction of a green and sustainable agriculture.
Dao Village’s honey – a product certified with a 3-star OCOP (One Commune One Product) rating by Thong Nhat Agricultural Cooperative in Dao Village (Hoa Binh City) – is highly regarded by consumers for its quality, richness, and variety in packaging. The distinctively sweet taste of Dao Village’s honey leaves a lasting impression on anyone who has tried it.
In alignment with Project No. 07-DA/TU, issued by the Hoa Binh provincial Party Committee on November 1, 2021, Lac Thuy district has actively promoted investment and supported the sustainable development of its industrial and handicraft sectors during the 2021–2025 period. Alongside this, the district has remained committed to preserving and revitalising traditional craft villages.
Located in the northern part of Lac Thuy district, with a temperate climate and fertile soil, Phu Thanh commune has great potential and advantages in growing tea. The long-standing experience, combined with strict adherence to organic farming practices in the tea gardens, ensures that the dried tea products from Phu Thanh and Lac Thuy as a whole are sold out immediately upon production, providing a stable and prosperous life for the local people.
