(VOVworld) – Developing craft villages is one of the principal ways Vietnam is restructuring its rural economy. The craft villages generate jobs for local people, earn extra income, and support the implementation of the new rural development program. Phu Xuyen district on the southern gateway of Hanoi has achieved all these results.

Phu Tuc craft products made of grass

Phu Xuyen district is often called the land of crafts. Hanoi has over 1,000 craft villages and 125 of them are located in Phu Xuyen district. But in recent years, many craft villages have vanished. In order to restore and promote traditional crafts, Phu Xuyen has combined building new rural areas with improving craft villages. Truong The Cau, Secretary of Phu Xuyen district’s Party Committee, says: "The 19 new rural criteria include restructuring the rural economy. If we want to redistribute labor, we have to develop craft villages and change our views and activities to ensure that the villagers have steady incomes from farm and craft work."

A basic criterion in the new rural development program is to provide jobs for 90% of the residents. Phu Xuyen district has integrated new rural development activities with craft villages and tourism. The district donates land for major craft villages to expand production and employ more local residents. In two years of developing craft villages and new rural areas, the district has seen remarkable results. 90% of its population earns a income from handicrafts. All households in Phu Tuc village knit grass to make fine art products and many of them have become better-off. Phu Xuyen leather and footwear village has exported its products to serve foreign markets. Mr. Cau again: "Craft villages have boosted incomes for the residents, generated more jobs, and ensured stability in the countryside. October 26^th is observed as Craft Day in Phu Xuyen."

Besides generating stable work and increasing incomes, craft villages preserve cultural traditions and promote tourism. The district authority has helped craft villages and artisans market their products and organize craft village tours. Nguyen Cong Kha owns a garment company in Van Tu village. "A celebration to honor craft villages aims to attract visitors to Phu Xuyen who will promote our products in many other places. Tourism brings visitors to traditional craft villages in Phu Xuan as well as to other villages nationwide."

Another criterion in developing new rural areas is to modernize the socio-economic infrastructure, restructure the economy, reorganize production, and integrate farm work with services. Phu Xuyen is a successful model in sustainably building new rural areas.