Exit the Mouse, Enter the Ox
As we look back at this past year, we want to acknowledge the extraordinary events that have taken place in communities worldwide. The US, UK and Vietnam each passed economic bailout/stimulus packages of $1000Bn,
$51Bn and $1Bn respectively. The world as we know it is disproportionately (un)wealthy and interconnected now more so than
ever.
For Vietnam, the economy has grown at an average of 7% each year since 2005, and though this year has been painful for
most of us, Vietnam is still expected to gain 6.5%. The gains are clearly visible in places like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
where Marc Jacobs, Gucci, Gloria Jeans and other upscale retailers have staked strategic marketing positions in the central
downtown areas. Meanwhile, no more than 100km away from these urban centers farmers still earn just over $1USD/day and many
rural youth migrate to industrial parks to earn $3USD/day.
For Hong Bang, we continue to put forth our passion and energies to serve the rural poor of
Vietnam: one person, one family and one community at a time. We recently have updated our website to share our collective
experiences and we warmly welcome you to journey with us.
Sincerely,
Bui Minh Dien
President