In order restore brocade weaving of the Thai ethnic group, with the support of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Chieng Chau Brocade Weaving and Tourism Services Cooperative was established in Chieng Chau commune (Mai Chau district) in 2009.
The Chieng Chau Brocade Weaving and
Tourism Services Cooperative has joined exhibitions
and fairs to promote its
products and expand the market.
The cooperative has continued its operation
after the JICA project concluded, and in 2013 it registered for official
establishment in line with the Cooperative Law.
Its Deputy Director Vi Thi Oanh said developing
the craft has created jobs for local residents, while preserving traditional
values. Its members have made efforts in production and
optimised local tourism advantages to popularise products to both domestic and
foreign tourists.
The cooperative has expanded its operation,
generating jobs for tens of labourers whose monthly income ranges from 3-4
million VND (123.5-164.67 USD) each. Chieng Chau brocade products have been known to
many people, especially foreigners, through fairs and exhibitions throughout
the country.
Moreover, the cooperative has coordinated with
local authorities and the farmers’ association of Chieng Chau hamlet to form a
Thai brocade weaving group within the cooperative, which aims to utilise the
existing resources, bring together weaving lovers, restore the traditional
craft, and raise income for local ethnic minority women.
After two years of operation, the group now
gathers 10 members whose skills have been improved significantly, contributing
to increasing productivity, fulfilling orders of domestic and foreign
customers. Most importantly, the members have enjoyed stable income and
improved living standards.
Pham The Anh, Chairman of the Mai Chau Farmers
Association, said the cooperative will further support the cooperative in
promoting the image of the group through exhibitions, fairs, television
channels and social networks.
If Tan Lac is considered the core of the cradle of Muong culture in Hoa Binh, Phong Phu commune is the cultural centre of Muong culture in Tan Lac district. Luy Ai hamlet in Phong Phu commune is where customs and traditions of Muong Bi are preserved. Luy Ai hamlet was chosen to build a space to preserve Muong ethnic culture. The district is seeking support from the province and coordinating with relevant agencies to devise a plan on preservation of Muong cultural spaces associated with developing tourism products and improving the lives of local residents.
Nguyen Manh Tuan, a Muong ethnic man in Ba Hang Doi town, Lac Thuy district, is known as a young, dedicated, and outstanding artisan who has made significant contributions in collecting, restoring, and preserving national cultural values.
The Government Office with Document No. 2082/VPCP-KGVX, dated March 29, 2024, sent out the opinion of Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha regarding the submission of the "Mo Muong" and "Cheo art" dossiers to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
In the evening of March 28th, in Hoa Binh, the Department of Grassroots Culture (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism) coordinated with the provincial Departments of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the city to organize a mobile propaganda contest to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Dien Bien Phu Victory (May 7th, 1954 - May 7th, 2024) with the theme "Returning to Dien Bien”. There ứa the attendance of Mr. Nguyen Van Toan, the Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee; the representatives of the leaders from a number of departments, branches and numerous veterans and Hoa Binh people.
In responding to the movement of "All people stay united to build cultural lifestyle”, over the years, Kim Boi district has conducted many practical and effective activities to promote solidarity and mutual support among the local community in sustainable poverty reduction and building cultural lifestyle and a healthy cultural environment, and maintaining national cultural identity.