Project Background
A recent research visit to Hai Duong by the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP) Provincial Cities project, and
discussions held with the Chairman of the Peoples Committee
of Hai Duong has identified the key issues facing the town.
The economy of Hai Duong is dependent on a number of established
local industries a significant one being traditional handicrafts.
This currently provides an estimated 2,000 – 2,500 jobs
for the local population. However wage levels amongst the
workers in these handicraft enterprises are low ($30 - $40
per month). Current marketing outlets are very limited and
the businesses do not have the skills or vision to identify
and exploit new marketing opportunities. In particular a link
to the growing tourist market in Vietnam has not yet been
developed.
Hai Duong is not currently a major tourist destination, and
being located just a few hours drive away from Hanoi and Hai
Phong is unlikely to be able to compete with these major tourist
destinations. However if the towns assets were effectively
marketed it could attract day-trippers or passing tourists.
Buses travelling between Hai Phong and Hanoi usually take
a break in Hai Duong for refreshments.
The province of Hai Duong also has many valuable historical
and cultural relics such as Con Son, Kiep Bac, Giam Pagoda,
and stone Stele celebrating victories of previous heroes.
Festivals are held in February and August according to the
lunar calendar. It also has burial monuments to world cultural
figures such as the writer Nguyen Trai, the 15th century hero
general Tran Hung Dao and renown Vietnamese herbalist Tue
Tinh.
The large number of craft producers in the town suggests
that the City and Province of Hai Duong could promote Hai
Duong City as a tourist destination in which tourists can
visit historical sites and watch artisans at work making traditional
products such as wood sculpture, lacquerware, finely carved
and decorated products from horns, and delicious green bean
cakes - a nationally famous speciality of Hai Duong.
However municipal officials have little experience of initiatives
to support the development of small businesses or of tourism
planning. The chairman of the city reported that there were
no detailed consistent master plans for the city or tourism
strategy for the town. An initiative, which would support
small businesses and tourism development, could be very useful
and would be most welcomed.
Guiding principles
Sustainability, Effectiveness and Efficiency
Project duration
2 years (11 January 2002 - 11 January 2004)
Management of the project
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