Tri is the eldest
son of the family who produces the incense
sticks in the district of Dúc Linh.
The family has embarked into this business
after it failed in raising rabbits and growing
watermelons. The initial production of Tri
was aimed at the local market only. With the
assistance of Viêt Nam Plus, Tri has
started to produce high quality sticks for
the French market.
The contract
between Viêt Nam Plus and Terre
d’Oc, a supplier of Nature et Découverte,
demands high quality products, imposes better
working conditions, but the sales price is
almost double. The workers are now protected
by masks, there is a latrine and a new workshop
which protects from the rain.
This project
employs 15 people full time, paid each 2,5
euros/day. The daily profits amount to 5 euros,
66% more compared to the traditional sticks.
Terre d’Oc made a number of lab and
quality tests, the answer came: "splendid!"
Since then the orders follow continuously,
1 ton per month.
This is a fantastic
source of hope for this extended family. Started
with 500 kilos per month, the volume is now
1 ton/month, and of course there is the new
workshop. This is very encouraging, with the
better working conditions Tri is confident
they will easily match the clients' strict
criteria. These include the protection of
the environment, by planting new trees, under
the supervision of the agronomists of Viêt
Nam Plus. This also is funded by Terre d'Oc.
The new trees will be a substantial contribution
to the development of the region and increases
the significance of this project. It also
constitutes a strong encouragement for Viêt
Nam Plus for its mission to create employment
for the local people, with the terms of fair
trade. Following the plan the production should
increase to 3-4 tons/month and Viêt
Nam Plus will be able to include other families
in the production.
Trip report,
Trân Huu Nam, Viêt Nam Plus France.
Click
here for the video (4' et 4Mb)
