Creating Opportunities for Laborers in Dong Thap to Confidently Start Their Own Businesses

Dong Thap - The province has not only provided job opportunities both domestically and abroad under contract, but it continues to focus on helping local workers confidently start their own businesses.

Escaping Poverty, Creating Motivation

For Bui Thi Viko (1991, Tinh Thoi commune, Cao Lanh City), the motivation to break free from poverty came from watching her parents struggle with various jobs without escaping financial hardship. In 2022, she made a bold decision to work abroad under a contract, seeing it as a chance to earn a good income and improve her family's life.

"With guidance from the Dong Thap Employment Service Center, I worked in Japan under a 3-year contract. I returned to Vietnam with a clear mind and plans for my future. Using the savings, I decided to open a spa due to the growing demand for beauty services among women," Viko shared.

After learning and persevering through many challenges, Viko now owns two spas—one in Dong Thap and another in Phan Thiet. Her work now not only supports her family but also provides training opportunities for other workers.

Similarly, after four years working in Japan, Trang Thi Hong Tham (1998, Lai Vung district) managed to escape poverty, accumulating over 700 million VND, which allowed her to pay off debts and build a house.

When she returned to Vietnam, Tham was hired by Hung Thinh International Manpower Co., Ltd. in Ho Chi Minh City as a Japanese language teacher for trainees, earning more than 10 million VND per month. However, she still lacked the confidence to start her own business, unsure of the steps to establish a company, secure loans, and handle tax exemptions.

Continuing the Entrepreneurial Path

Tham's concerns reflect a common challenge faced by many workers in Dong Thap who have worked abroad under contract, including Tran Van Pho (1992, Vinh Thanh commune, Lap Vo district).

"Most of the money we earn goes to supporting our families, and we lack the experience to start a business. There are also difficulties in connecting with state or organizational support, as well as business partners and customers. Although there are support programs, they aren't always easily accessible," Pho expressed.

In response, Pho suggested that local authorities in Dong Thap implement more specific measures to help returning workers turn their entrepreneurial ideas into reality. He recommended offering training in management skills, connecting businesses, and promoting newly established businesses to attract customers.

Dong Thap's Policies to Support Workers

Dong Thap has a range of policies to support workers going abroad under contract and helping them start businesses when they return. According to Pham Viet Cong, Director of the Dong Thap Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs, based on the success of sending workers abroad, the province plans to maximize the potential of returning workers. The department will collaborate with local authorities to raise awareness about policies that support entrepreneurship.

"We are committed to creating conditions for workers to get jobs and start businesses. The province will enhance entrepreneurship training during orientation programs, provide consultancy services, offer funding support, and connect with organizations that support entrepreneurship," said Cong.

With the motto “From employee to employer,” Dong Thap has sent nearly 15,000 workers abroad over the past decade. In 2023 alone, the province sent over 2,000 workers abroad, exceeding the annual target by more than 500 people.

Vietnam Manpower is playing a key role in these initiatives, helping Dong Thap workers gain skills and knowledge, and contributing to poverty alleviation and improved living standards through overseas labor opportunities and entrepreneurship upon their return.