Ha Thi Hong Hai – Promoting Muong Ethnic Specialties from TYM’s Loans

A daughter of the Muong ethnic land in Van Mieu Commune, Thanh Son District, Phu Tho Province, Ms. Ha Thi Hong Hai – a client of TYM Viet Tri Branch, Transaction Office No. 02 – is a shining example of an ethnic minority woman who dared to think, dared to act, and gradually improved her livelihood through microfinance and the persistent companionship of TYM.

Beginning the Journey with Her First Loan

In 2019, Ms. Hai first came into contact with TYM through the local Women’s Union and received her first loan of VND 40 million. Wishing to make use of her homeland’s natural advantages, she started by selling local agricultural specialties such as pickled forest bamboo shoots, fermented cassava leaves, bamboo shoots with chili, dried tea, sticky rice, and free-range chicken.

Since then, she has continued to avail loans from TYM. Her total accumulated loan amount has reached approximately VND 275 million, enabling her to expand production, improve product quality, and increase access to the market. Alongside financing, TYM also created opportunities for her to learn from successful business models in other localities and supported her in connecting with potential buyers through various networks and information channels.

Establishing a Cooperative Group – Empowering Women Through Collective Strength

In October 2021, recognizing the economic potential of local products and wishing to support fellow women, Ms. Hai – then Chairwoman of the Van Mieu Commune Women’s Union – joined other members to establish the “Muong Specialty Promotion and Introduction Cooperative Group.”

At first, the group consisted of only five members – Women’s Union officials and members – working mainly in their spare time. They organized a network of collaborators to collect products from local residents and distribute them to outlets in Hanoi, Thai Nguyen, Son La, and within Phu Tho Province. On peak days, the group handled up to several hundred kilograms of goods, generating stable income for many local households.

To date, the group has attracted dozens of collaborators and built a small yet effective network for supplying and promoting Muong ethnic specialties.

Preserving and Promoting Muong Culinary Culture

With a deep love for her ethnic culture and cuisine, Ms. Hai has been dedicated to preserving and introducing traditional Muong dishes to consumers. Through the cooperative model, products such as pickled bamboo, chili bamboo shoots, fermented vegetables, wild pork, free-range chicken, tea, and sticky rice have been processed, packaged, and showcased at trade fairs both within and outside the province.

Although she initially faced challenges due to small-scale markets and limited digital sales skills, perseverance and mutual support among members have helped gradually expand market access. This has encouraged local people to continue processing and commercializing agricultural products sustainably.

Empowering Ethnic Minority Women

Thanks to the cooperative group, its members and collaborators now earn a stable monthly income of VND 2–2.5 million, improving household livelihoods and moving toward economic self-reliance. More than just a business model, the group has empowered women with financial independence, boosted their confidence, and nurtured their initiative in developing household economies.

Ms. Hai shared:
“The biggest advantage ethnic minority women have when doing business is the uniqueness of our local products. We know our specialties well, we know how to make tasty, clean, and distinctive products that are welcomed by the market. However, we still face difficulties like lack of digital tools and limited resources. But when we unite, we find strength, we overcome challenges together, and grow more confident in our economic journey.”

An Inspiring Muong Woman

More than a dedicated Women’s Union officer, Ms. Ha Thi Hong Hai is a source of inspiration for many ethnic minority women in Van Mieu Commune and Thanh Son District. With the support of TYM, she has helped develop an effective community-based economic model while preserving and promoting the unique culinary heritage of the Muong people.

Her achievements vividly demonstrate the power of combining personal determination, collective spirit, and the support of a microfinance institution like TYM.