Up from the cinnamon tree

Arriving at Sai Luong village, Tan Dong commune on a sunny May morning, we met Nguyen Van Tuyen while he and a group of workers were transporting cinnamon that had just been purchased from neighboring villages. Amidst the cluttered warehouse, the sound of cinnamon crushing and cutting machines resounded loudly, the young man born in 1993 worked tirelessly.

His tanned face showed signs of hardship, but his eyes shone with joy - the light of someone who is in control of his life and the values he has built. Mr. Tuyen said that his family used to live on farming, and after graduating from high school, he stayed home to help his parents with the farm work. Life revolved around the fields, and day after day passed with the worry "I'm still young, can I just have enough to eat forever?"

Mr. Tuyen shared: "In 2021, I got married, economic worries urged me to find a new direction. Realizing that Tan Dong commune as well as many other localities of Tran Yen district have strengths in cinnamon - a key crop that brings high economic value, but there are still few people bold enough to buy and process it. So I decided to try it."

Thinking so, but from idea to implementation is a long journey. With no capital, no experience, Mr. Tuyen started with determination, strong belief that he would succeed. He discussed with his family and borrowed more from relatives, collecting 400 million VND to buy cinnamon processing machines and use it as revolving capital to purchase fresh cinnamon, cinnamon bark, and cinnamon branches from people in and outside the commune. Starting from small things, Mr. Tuyen worked and learned at the same time. He spent time going to large purchasing points in neighboring communes to learn how to classify and preserve cinnamon bark to retain its natural aroma and prevent mold.

He shared: "The cinnamon you buy must not be damp, it must be dried or dried immediately within 24 hours. A beautiful cinnamon bark is thick, fragrant, not dirty or moldy, and you must also know how to choose the raw material area. I know each village and each household that grows well, the price may be a bit higher but the quality is assured."

Although the first shipments did not bring much profit, they opened up new confidence for Mr. Tuyen. At the end of 2021, with the first profit in hand, he continued to boldly borrow more money to invest in a 2-ton truck worth 250 million VND to transport goods. In 2022 - 2023, the work was favorable, the amount of cinnamon purchased doubled, Mr. Tuyen switched to a 3.5-ton truck to meet the growing transportation needs.

By 2024, he invested in a 5-ton truck to target markets outside the province such as Lao Cai and Phu Tho. When the volume of goods increased sharply, the output began to expand, many companies required legal status to sign long-term purchasing contracts. At this time, Mr. Tuyen understood that, if he wanted to develop sustainably, he could not do it alone forever. And in March 2025, he mobilized 6 young people in the area to join and establish the Tan Dong Commune Cinnamon Cooperative, of which he was the Director.

Initially, there were many confusions, but with the spirit of learning and determination, the Cooperative soon stabilized its organizational structure, registered a tax code, opened a transaction account, and built a stable raw material area. Currently, the Cooperative purchases and processes dozens of tons of cinnamon each month. His family alone creates regular jobs for 8 local workers with salaries ranging from 350,000 - 500,000 VND/person/day.

Mr. Tuyen said: "There was a time when I was losing money in business, when I bought at a high price but could not sell it in time, the price of cinnamon dropped dramatically. I suffered heavy losses and was depressed, but my family was always there to encourage me and help me overcome it. Currently, just counting my family, buying cinnamon brings in 250 - 300 million VND in profit each year. To be where I am today, the thing I appreciate most is reputation. In this profession, words are more valuable than contracts. Buying at the right price, paying on time, not haggling to squeeze the price, people will remember me."

Not only enriching himself, Mr. Tuyen also proactively imparted his experience in purchasing and preserving cinnamon to members of the Cooperative in particular and local people in general. Thanks to that, the quality of cinnamon raw materials is increasingly consistent, contributing to increasing the value of the product.

Mr. Tuyen said: "I used to be confused, but if someone helped me, I would feel less confused. Now, whatever I know, I am willing to share. My hometown is still poor, and there are many young people who are eager to rise up."

With the dynamic spirit, daring to think, daring to do of youth, along with high will, determination, and will, we believe that Mr. Nguyen Van Tuyen's economic development model will continue to grow, contributing positively to socio-economic development and sustainable poverty reduction in the locality.

Le Thuong

Source: https://baoyenbai.com.vn/12/351292/Di-len-tu-cay-que.aspx