Engineer leaves city to start business in Sa Pa, creating livelihood for dozens of households

In 2020, engineer Lam Van Thuan (born in 1983) left his stable job and life in Hanoi to start a business in the highlands of Sa Pa, Lao Cai province.

Anh Thuan takes advantage of climate, soil, local agricultural products and national cultural identity to create typical processed products, associated with tourism development.

Villagers bring Ta Van plums to sell to Mr. Thuan's production facility.

Raw materials such as corn, rice, plums, apricots, peaches, etc. are purchased from local people when in season, then processed into drinks according to modern, strict processes. At the production facility located on the Sau Chua - Hau Chu Ngai route (Ta Van commune), a circular agricultural model is implemented, helping to make the most of agricultural by-products, both protecting the environment and increasing income for local people.

Mr. Thuan shared: “Sau Chua - Hau Chu Ngai is a land with many favorable factors: cool climate, beautiful landscape, gentle people. The authorities at all levels also create favorable conditions for businesses to start up, which is the motivation for me to devote myself to development”.

After only three years of research and production, the facility’s products have been distributed in many major cities. By early 2025, a production complex combined with an exhibition and check-in space was put into operation, becoming a favorite destination for tourists on the famous cloud-hunting route.

Agricultural products purchased from farmers are soaked and aged in oak barrels by the production facility.

Mr. Thuan's facility is the first in Sa Pa to achieve ISO 22000:2018 certification - the highest international standard for food safety. In addition to bringing local agricultural products to new heights, the facility also guides ethnic minorities in applying circular agriculture, creating jobs for dozens of workers with stable incomes.

Ms. Chao May Que, a worker at the facility, shared: "Thanks to working here, I have a steady job, a stable income, and I also get to learn more about clean production and how to take care of livestock more effectively."

Every year, the facility purchases hundreds of tons of agricultural products for people in Sa Pa and neighboring areas, contributing to improving their lives and reducing poverty sustainably. In addition to production, Mr. Thuan also actively shares his entrepreneurial experience with local youth and participates in activities to promote Sa Pa tourism.

Mr. Cao Ba Quy, Chairman of Ta Van Commune People's Committee said: "Mr. Lam Van Thuan's business household is a bright spot of the locality. From agricultural products and indigenous culture, he has created typical OCOP products, contributing to socio-economic development and promoting the image of Sa Pa".

After 5 years of commitment, the engineer left the city to return to the forest with his family and became a part of the misty land. His passion and determination are proof that, with creativity and perseverance, indigenous resources can become the foundation for success and community development.