Megastory Series: 'Thirst' for labor in the industrial capital of Dong Nai (Part 1) Part 2: Many years as the 'promised land' for workers far from home

The concentration of immigrant workers also creates an "ecosystem" around industrial parks with a developed service market, from motels, restaurants, convenience stores...

Dong Nai is home to many large industrial parks in the country. In the photo: A corner of Ho Nai industrial park.

The Southeast region has witnessed the strong rise of industrial parks and export processing zones, mainly concentrated in large provinces and cities, including Dong Nai. The concentration of immigrant workers has also created a developing service market, from motels, restaurants, convenience stores... around the industrial parks.

Nestled between asphalt roads connecting to the industrial parks that are constantly changing in Nhon Trach district, the row of rented rooms of Ms. Le Thi Bay (residing in My Khoan quarter, Hiep Phuoc town) has become an indispensable part of the picture here. The closely packed rented rooms are a shelter for many workers and laborers working in the industrial parks in Nhon Trach.

Mrs. Bay said that more than 20 years ago, her family's property was just a large plot of land with a barren fruit garden due to acid sulfate soil. Her husband, a construction worker, worked hard all year round on small projects. The family's life was just enough to eat and wear, not much extra. The turning point came when industrial parks began to spring up like "mushrooms after the rain", attracting workers from all over. She and her husband decided to build 2 rows of more than 100 rooms on the garden land.

“Thanks to strict management, stable prices and a good living environment, my boarding house is always fully booked. The income from renting out the rooms is increasing, helping my family not only escape poverty but also have a prosperous life,” Ms. Bay confided.

Workers at Hwaseung Chemical Vietnam Co., Ltd. (Nhon Trach 1 Industrial Park, Nhon Trach District). Photo: Thanh Hai

As a son of the sunny Central region, where the land is barren and life is difficult, Nguyen Van Nhat (from Nghe An province, living in Trang Dai ward, Bien Hoa city) is familiar with the scene of his parents working hard "selling their faces to the ground, selling their backs to the sky" but still not having enough to eat and wear. The dream of a prosperous and stable life always urges him.

After graduating from high school, he decided to leave his hometown, carrying with him the enthusiasm of youth and the desire to change his life, to go to Dong Nai - the promised land with bustling industrial parks. To make ends meet and realize his dream, he applied for a job as a worker at a wood workshop near his boarding house. The initial work was quite hard and boring, mainly carrying wood and helping with other stages.

“I always try to work hard and carefully, not afraid of difficulties, and willing to work overtime when required. I understand that only effort and perseverance can help me progress and have a better future,” Nhat confided.

After a period of working, with diligence and a progressive spirit, he became a skilled worker, with solid skills and was trusted and loved by his colleagues. His salary also increased significantly, helping him improve his life. He was assigned to jobs requiring higher technical skills, and participated in short-term training courses on machine operation and woodworking skills. Up to now, after nearly 25 years with the company, Mr. Nhat has been assigned to manage the workshop.

Mr. Nhat shared that his education level is not high, but thanks to his hard work, he has a stable income. In the end, he chose to stay in Dong Nai to start a business and stay. Currently, although both he and his wife are workers, they save money and have bought a house. Compared to the past in the countryside, life is brighter and more fulfilling now. The children are born and educated properly, with a bright future ahead.

Production at enterprises in Dong Nai. Photo: Hoang Loc - Vuong The

In Dong Nai, there are Vietnamese enterprises that have affirmed their position in the market, not only domestically but also internationally. They have created products with their own brands, highly appreciated by consumers for their quality and design. The former shoe and garment workers have become successful businessmen, creating jobs for thousands of workers, contributing to the economic development of the country. They are shining examples of the entrepreneurial spirit, the will to get rich and the aspiration to rise of the Vietnamese people.

Mr. Tran Van Tac has affirmed his position in the market, not only domestically but also internationally with "made in Vietnam" products. Photo: Bich Nhan

From a soldier discharged from the army with nothing, Mr. Tran Van Tac, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Tuan Viet Shoes Company Limited (Phu Thanh - Vinh Thanh Industrial Park, Nhon Trach District) has established a shoe manufacturing enterprise exporting to about 50 countries around the world.

In 1980, after being discharged from the army, Mr. Tac worked at a leather company, in charge of purchasing animal skins. Perhaps from here, his relationship with the leather shoe industry began. After many struggles, he and his friends established a shoe sole factory, supplying a number of domestic shoe companies. But the big, decisive turning point was in 2002 when Mr. Tac built the company in Nhon Trach district - the emerging industrial center of Dong Nai. And 4 years later, instead of just producing soles, the company cooperated with the Italian shoe company Superga to produce complete shoes. From here, Tuan Viet shoes went out into the world.

“They gave me the product on paper, I designed it and sent it back to them. Both sides edited, agreed and placed an order. At first, they ordered a small amount and saw that I could do it, then they placed continuous orders. Each year, it gradually increased from 500,000 to 1 million pairs, peaking at 2.5 million pairs and exported to 50 countries,” Mr. Tac said excitedly.

Mr. Tran Van Tac talks with colleagues. Photo: Bich Nhan

Talking about the journey of building the “made in Vietnam” brand, Mr. Tac said that he himself had experienced many ups and downs. When he first started his business, he had no experience so he lost money. However, he was not discouraged and continued to borrow money to make shoes and find a way to develop. The company gradually built a successful model development center and from there, all shoe models were created from here.

Mr. Tac added: “The company’s designers and partners have agreed on the design, materials and technical team to make the sample products. Then, the workshops will sew them in bulk. All shoes here are 80% rubber, the rest is fabric and other materials.”

According to Mr. Tac, at first the company only built 1 factory with 300 workers, gradually increasing to 6 factories now. At its peak, the company had nearly 2,000 workers. The company's revenue fluctuated from 500-700 billion VND. In addition to fulfilling tax obligations, social insurance, health insurance and unemployment insurance for employees were also fully paid. The company also has a dormitory for workers to stay for free.

Currently, Tuan Viet Shoes Company Limited also adds rice husks to create a hard and porous texture for shoes. This company is researching the use of recycled products such as fabric or recycled rubber products. This not only reduces costs but also turns scrap into genuine products to reduce solid waste in the environment. Thanks to that, Tuan Viet Shoes has been voted by the Vietnam Federation of Commerce and Industry as one of the 100 most sustainable businesses in the country in 2022.

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/media/megastory/202505/loat-megastory-khat-lao-dong-giua-thu-phu-cong-nghiep-dong-nai-bai-1-bai-2-nhieu-nam-la-mien-dat-hua-cua-lao-dong-xa-que-e92086e/