Hanoi strengthens cooperation with the World Crafts Council

This is an important foreign affairs activity of Hanoi City, coinciding with the exhibition, demonstration, and creation of handicraft products associated with the ceremony to welcome the two craft villages of Bat Trang pottery (Gia Lam district) and Van Phuc silk weaving (Ha Dong district) into the World Network of Cities of Handicrafts on the evening of February 14th.

Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Nguyen Manh Quyen received and worked with the delegation from the World Crafts Council.

At the meeting, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Nguyen Manh Quyen expressed his honor and pleasure in representing the Hanoi leadership to welcome the delegation; affirming that the presence of the delegates is proof of the increasingly developing friendly and cooperative relationship between Hanoi and the World Crafts Council and the cities of Uzbekistan.

According to Vice Chairman Nguyen Manh Quyen, Hanoi has long been known as a land rich in tradition with many famous craft villages. Among them, Bat Trang pottery village (Gia Lam district) and Van Phuc silk weaving village (Ha Dong district) are two typical symbols of the cultural essence, creativity, and skillful craftsmanship of Hanoi's artisans.

“Honoring these two traditional craft villages not only affirms Hanoi’s position on the world handicraft map, but also motivates us to continue preserving and promoting traditional cultural values, while simultaneously boosting craft village tourism and expanding international cooperation in the field of handicrafts…” – Vice Chairman Nguyen Manh Quyen emphasized.

Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Nguyen Manh Quyen presents commemorative gifts to members of the World Crafts Council delegation.

Representatives from Hanoi also highly appreciated the attention of the World Crafts Council and the close cooperation between cities with traditional crafts around the world and Uzbekistan; and expressed confidence that the reception ceremony on the evening of February 14th would be an important foundation for all parties to share experiences, enhance cultural exchange, promote trade cooperation, and sustainably develop traditional craft villages.

On behalf of the delegation, the President of the World Crafts Council, Saad al-Qaddumi, expressed gratitude for the warm and respectful reception from Hanoi City. He also emphasized that the honoring of the two craft villages in Hanoi affirms the talent and dedication of the artisans and skilled craftsmen of Bat Trang and Van Phuc villages in particular, and Hanoi and Vietnam in general.

Mr. Saad al-Qaddumi also emphasized that the World Craft Council wishes to strengthen cooperation with the Hanoi authorities in further promoting the development of the handicraft sector. The immediate goal is to continue discussions to consider and recognize more craft villages in Hanoi to participate in the World Network of Cities of Crafts.

Representatives from Hanoi city leadership and various departments took a commemorative photo with the World Crafts Council delegation.

To further promote the handicraft sector, Hanoi wishes to strengthen cooperation with the World Craft Council and cities in Uzbekistan, particularly in the following areas: preserving and developing traditional craft villages linked to sustainable tourism; training and upgrading the skills of artisans; and encouraging innovation in handicraft production.

Hanoi also hopes to expand trade cooperation and connect the markets for handicraft products between Hanoi and Uzbekistan, as well as other member countries of the World Craft Council. At the same time, it seeks cooperation in organizing international events and exhibitions to promote traditional craft products and cultures of both sides.

“Hanoi is committed to creating the most favorable conditions for artisans and craft village businesses to expand production, innovate, and meet domestic and international demands. We hope to cooperate more closely with the World Crafts Council and cities of Uzbekistan to develop the handicraft industry, serving as a cultural bridge between nations…” - Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Nguyen Manh Quyen emphasized at the working session.

Source: https://kinhtedothi.vn/ha-noi-that-chat-moi-quan-he-hop-tac-with-the-world-crafts-council.html