Dinh Quan’s Craft Cooperative creates jobs for ethnic minority people

Chairwoman of the Craft Cooperative recommending brocade products to clients.

Accordingly, local people had to face these difficulties that would have an impact on their lives. However, by promoting home industry through craft activities, this creates long term employment for local workforce and helps the resettlement of more than 100 households that lived along La Nga River.

At present, main craft products made by Dinh Quan Cooperative consist of picture frame made from nulga bamboo, heart-shaped tray, newspaper and shopping baskets crafted from water hyacinth and others. In addition, the cooperative also products chairs and tables made of nulga bamboo and other wildlife and native plants. These handmade crafts are destined for export markets and benefit the cooperative. On the other hand, with the aim of preserving and developing traditional crafts, the cooperative uses of local material sources for making unique brocade weaving products. The most appreciated products are brocade silk that allow to get various patterns such as pillow cushion cover and others. Customers are attracted to the brocade weaving products by their colorful and meticulous design. Especially, handmade clothing and featuring dresses and skirts to be worn on the occasion of great festivities are from skillful craftsmen to make these products with the specific traditions and culture or history of different villages and regions. However, hand embroidered textile and brocade weaving are mainly for the domestic market. Now, the cooperative looks for opportunities to expand its consumption market.

Benches or seats to be placed in seasides made by the cooperative.

Although the cooperative has operated nearly 2 years, it gained remarkable achievements. In 2004, the cooperative achieved its turnover more 2.1 billion VND and contributed over than 100 million VND to the State Budget. During the same period, the average income per person of the cooperative was 500,000 – 600,000 VND.

Development of the craft in Dinh Quan district played an important role in solving the employment needs of ethnic minority people. This helps raising their living standards. In 2005, the cooperative plans to continue increasing its investment for expanding production of handmade crafts that will export to European markets. Besides, the cooperative tries to find opportunities for exporting brocade products with 80% of which aimed at foreign countries. Particularly, its turnover in the first 7 months of this year hits up 2 billion VND, accounted for 60% of year target.

(Source Dong Nai Newspaper)