Sustainable development of cottage industry in Da Nang’s mountainous areas
DNO - After 5 years of implementation, the EMMi project on the sustainable development of cottage industry in Danang City’s mountainous areas is expected to be extended until 2027. It has opened up opportunities for the development of local products and contributed to the preservation of traditional cultural identity.
A highlight in community-based tourism
The EMMi project, funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) through the FIDR (Foundation for International Development/Relief), started in 2021 in 35 mountainous communes in former Quang Nam Province, now Da Nang City, with a total investment of US$900,000 (equivalent to VND 21.6 billion).
According to Head of the Rural Development Sub-Department of Da Nang City Nguyen The Hung, the EMMi project aims to support sustainable livelihoods in mountainous areas by developing local products, handicrafts, and community-based tourism.
In particular, the model of Co Tu - Nam Giang community-based tourism was honored at the ASEAN Award 2025.
Mr. Briu Thuong, Head of the Co Tu - Nam Giang Community-Based Tourism Cooperative (Da Nang City) said the cooperative welcomed over 600 tourists with 50 experiential tours in 2025.
In particular, there has been a significant change in the mindset of tourism, which is no longer simply selling goods but instead choosing to sell the value of the product so that tourists can directly experience.
When tourists understand the cultural story behind the product, they will voluntarily buy it as a gift and develop a greater appreciation for the local culture.
Chief Representative of FIDR in Vietnam Nobuko affirmed that, the strength of community-based tourism products lies in the fact that tourists not only buy them but also directly experience the process. In other words, they are buying the core value and the cultural story behind the local products.
Connection for development
Within the framework of the EMMi project, several handicraft products from Da Nang's mountainous areas have been successfully distributed at Japanese international airports, as well as organic food store chains in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
In addition, the project has also achieved impressive results in community capacity building. For example, the project has trained the business and tourism knowledges and skills for 89 initative groups, and 68 local tour guides.
One of the outstanding results of the EMMi project since 2021 has been the establishment and operation of 10 community-based tourism destinations.
According to Vice Chairwoman of the People's Committee of Tra My Commune Vo Thi Thuy Hang, the cultural and tourism management agency should act as a bridge between localities, connecting cultural spaces in different areas and communities to create unique highlights.
Ms. Nobuko expressed her hope that local residents will overcome initial difficulties. Instead, they should view culture as a leverage, allowing their identity to shine and confidently showcase the most unique aspects of their homeland to develop their livelihoods. She affirmed that FIDR will always stand alongside and support the local communities towards sustainable development.