Vietnam is fast developing country, before launching a project one must humbly check whether the NGO has specific skills, is comparatively better equipped compared to other actors like the local authorities or small entrepreneurs etc.

Viêt Nam Plus and Thiên Chí do not build schools or clinics for instance, because we do not see what we could clearly do better than the official institutions. Similarly for the recycling of plastic waste: we thought we had a good idea, but soon entrepreneurial Vietnamese were faster and better, with lower costs, living in the workshop and taking care of the business full time etc. As regards to the production of compost, there are technical issues, Thiên Chí tries to propose decisive solutions.

Harvesting the cassava leaves? Thiên Chí has an unbeatable network of village actors, like farmers' and women's groups, village workers etc. while at the same time good connections with animal feed businesses: it can facilitate the organization of the harvest at minimum cost, and get the best prices from the buyers, then give the charge of the operations to local partners or village workers. Mekong-Quilts is a success: it combines the strong village development work by Thiên Chí, which includes organization of women's groups, their constant follow-up and monitoring of their management by the group leaders (as a lot of money is involved), with a network of friends and a good image in the expatriate communities both in Hochiminh City and Hà-Nôi, which are absolutely essential to ensure the marketing and sales. The help of many volunteers, expatriate and local, has been a determining factor, Mekong-Quilts has a bright future!