How Enterprise Overcomes Poverty - Book Shows 30 Examples from Viet Nam
HANOI, VIET NAM - A second volume of a series of books profiling successful entrepreneurs is being launched today in English and Vietnamese. “Entrepreneur” features 30 success stories and explains how, in their own different ways, the subjects linked up with markets and became part of the driving force behind the economic reforms known as Doi Moi or “Renovation” in Viet Nam. The cases are selected from 50 in a report compiled by the National Institute for Science and Technology Strategy and Policy Studies (Ministry of Science and Technology). The research was undertaken as part of “Making Markets Work Better for the Poor” - a regional technical assistance project supported by ADB, the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID), and the Tokyo-based ADB Institute. The cases are drawn from a range of sectors, including eight from agriculture-related businesses such as farming, aquaculture, and handicrafts; 16 from art, ceramics, food, and commodity processing; and six with businesses based on services. The entrepreneurs come from very different backgrounds and educational levels. They include former soldiers, artisans and government officials. But one common feature is that starting from a position of poverty and disadvantage, through hard work, self-education, dedication, initiative and risk-taking, they have started businesses during the period of Doi Moi and gained success. According to Tran Ngoc Ca, team leader of the research team from National Institute for Science and Technology Strategy and Policy Studies, “The stories are so different and diverse but they share a common thing - with courage and passion, they learned to realize the market opportunities that emerged from Doi Moi.” The cases are an inspiration for anyone who has an ambition to become successful, according to Le Dang Doanh, senior economist of Ministry of Planning and Investment. “In becoming successful, the entrepreneurs have not only benefited themselves and their families, but also generated many jobs and assisted their local communities,” he says. Ayumi Konishi, ADB Country Director in Viet Nam, says the stories explain in very human terms the rationale for ADB programmes supporting small and medium enterprises in Viet Nam. “Successful private business creates jobs and wealth and is a major force in the struggle against poverty," he says. About ADB | 
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