Cao Thi Chuyen: Thanh Hoa's glutinous rice cake queen delights everyone!

Cao Thi Chuyen: Thanh Hoa's glutinous rice cake queen delights everyone!

In Thanh Hoa, Vietnam, Muong girl Cao Thi Chuyen has achieved remarkable success with her business based on the traditional specialty banh gai. Chuyen, who was born in a poor mountain village, began making and selling glutinous rice cakes in 2019 after struggling to make a profit in fast food and souvenirs. Her goal was to find a stable product that would both increase her family's income and preserve the cultural identity of her region. Vietnam.vn reports that Banh Gai originally comes from the Tho Xuan district, and Chuyen learned the recipe in the Tu Tru craft village.

Production of the glutinous rice cake has increased from an initial 300 to 500 cakes per day to nearly 1,000 after Chuyen invested in machinery supported by the Thanh Hoa Microfinance Organization. This facility ensures that women like Chuyen receive the support they need to obtain microcredit necessary to start small businesses. These loans help improve living conditions in a region where 37% of the 3.7 million people live in poverty.

Economic empowerment through microcredit

The Thanh Hoa Microfinance Institution (MFI) has been offering microcredit to women in the region since 1998. During this time, over 90,000 customers received a total of more than $5 million. The focus is on building economically viable families and communities by empowering women. Kiva informs that the MFI operates in one of the poorest provinces in Vietnam and carries out regular monitoring to ensure that the loans granted are used wisely. This supports the creation of micro-enterprises and sustainably improves the living situation of families.

In addition to focusing on baking, Cao Thi Chuyen also involved her family in growing ramie leaves, sticky rice and green beans. She uses these materials to make her cakes, contributing to local agriculture while promoting farm farming and sustainable practices. Chuyen plans to expand their factory and participate in OCOP programs to further develop their products.

Environmental protection and social responsibility

Chuyen has also implemented environmental protection measures at their stall. She is reported to regularly employ four workers and create seasonal jobs, which can not only boost the local economy but also help her community. The average turnover of her business is 90 million VND per month, with a profit of about 20 million VND. Chuyen was even awarded third prize at the Business Development Award for her entrepreneurial achievements.

The microfinance institutions play a crucial role in improving livelihoods in Thanh Hoa. Support from organizations such as World Vision and the Thanh Hoa MFI shows how microcredit enables disadvantaged households to operate independently in small businesses. These initiatives are consistent with the commitment to create sustainable economic opportunities that directly benefit affected women and families. The Swiss Foundation highlights how these programs stimulate local economies and support families in poverty.