For the past several years, this site was abandoned. It has now become a creative city, where many new businesses have sprung up. One of the businesses, a store called Lọ Mọ, sells old recycled objects, such as water pipes and glass bottles, that have been turned into decorative pieces. The man behind the store, Nguyen Quang Hoa, worked in a bank for 6 years, but he quit his stable job to run a startup.
"My ideas started with the recycled products in western countries. At first, I faced many challenges and objections from my family. But I was determined to develop my business in this field", Nguyen Quang Hoa, a member of Hanoi Creative City, said.
At Hanoi Creative City, over 40 establishments sell a wide range of goods and services in areas such as food, entertainment, fashion, sports, and arts. The startups show their creativity in their unique business models, products, and interior designs, which all combine to form this original space that celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit.
"Since its establishment, we had decided on creativity as the signature of our brand. Taking part in a creative city is a great experience. It means that everyone makes an effort to develop creative industries, and is not only doing business for the short term", Phung Ngoc, another member of Hanoi Creative City, said.
The Hanoi creative city was founded with 3 goals: to create infrastructure for startups, to inspire creative communities, and to support disadvantaged entrepreneurs. The founders of the unique commercial area hope to make this place a destination for businesses to meet and exchange ideas.
The Creative Cities Network currently includes 69 members from 32 countries and is recognised by UNESCO. According to the British Council, there are about 40 creative cities in Vietnam. These cities are expected to act as models to encourage young people to develop creative industries even further.
