Vietnam Association of Architects strengthens comprehensive cooperation with Cuba and expands international connections

In early May 2025, Dr. Architect Phan Dang Son - President of the Vietnam Association of Architects and architects made an official visit to Cuba to promote professional cooperation, academic exchange and develop a network of young architects between the two countries with a long-standing friendly relationship. The delegation of the Vietnam Association of Architects also attended the Coverings Construction Materials Fair and Exhibition and visited architecture in the United States.

Promoting Vietnam - Cuba architectural cooperation

In Havana, Dr. Architect Phan Dang Son, President of the Vietnam Association of Architects, had a working session with Mr. Antonio Guerrero Rodríguez, President of the National Union of Cuban Architects and Civil Engineers (UNAICC), along with 2 Vice Presidents of UNAICC, 4 Department Directors of the Cuban Ministry of Construction and leaders of the Faculty of Architecture of the University of Havana.

The parties reached a high level of agreement on strengthening and expanding cooperation programs in construction design, architect training, academic exchange and building an architectural practice management system suitable to the context of each country. During the meeting, the University of Havana emphasized the role of training connection with Vietnam - a place where many Vietnamese architects have graduated with excellent degrees from Cuba.

An important content of the working session is to discuss and expand the content of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two professional associations. Accordingly, the Memorandum will lay the foundation for the following activities: Exchange of expertise, techniques, scientific events; Promote programs, activities of friendship and professional solidarity between the two organizations and the two countries; Some coordinated activities such as co-organizing conferences, exhibitions, seminars; Connecting and supporting career development between the two sides through the expert system;...

The two sides have discussed each content in detail in the minutes and will take the next steps before officially signing in the near future.

In specific activities, Mr. Antonio Guerrero Rodríguez has officially invited the Vietnam Association of Architects to send a delegation to attend the first International Salon of Young Architects held in Varadero, Cuba from December 11-14, 2025. This is an event held every two years, the largest professional and creative forum for young architects in Latin America, with the participation of the International Union of Architects (UIA). The program includes activities: exhibition of works, creative competitions, scientific seminars and international awards with 12 categories from housing design, public works to architectural publications.

Dr. Architect Phan Dang Son, President of the Vietnam Association of Architects and Mr. Antonio Guerrero Rodríguez, President of the National Union of Cuban Architects and Civil Engineers (UNAICC)

Survey of heritage buildings and joint venture projects in Cuba

In addition to the working program, the delegation of the Vietnam Association of Architects visited and surveyed many heritage architectural works in the old quarter of Havana, learning from Cuba's experience in preserving and promoting historical architectural values.

The delegation also visited Ho Chi Minh Park - a project symbolizing the friendship between the two nations. Next, the delegation surveyed VIMARIEL Industrial Park, a joint venture between Viglacera (Vietnam) and its Cuban partner, which is developing effective industrial infrastructure, opening up new cooperation opportunities in industrial park development, architecture and infrastructure in the Caribbean region.

Expanding international connections in the United States

In addition to the schedule in Cuba, the President of the Vietnam Association of Architects – Dr. Architect. Phan Dang Son and Mr. Mai Xuan Duc – General Director of Viglacera Tile Trading Joint Stock Company attended the Coverings 2025 Exhibition in Orlando, Florida, USA. This is the largest exhibition in North America on tiles and natural stones. Within the framework of the exhibition, the President of the Vietnam Association of Architects visited Viglacera’s booth and was impressed with the environmentally friendly, high-tech product lines, achieving international certifications such as Green Label (Singapore), LEED (USA)…

Viglacera's booth at Coverings 2025

Here, Dr. Architect Phan Dang Son had a discussion with Mr. Rod Applegate, President of Tower Engineering, Inc., the unit that brought Viglacera's technical brick products to the US Capitol project.

Following the Coverings Exhibition, the Vietnam Association of Architects delegation made architectural tours to major cities in the United States such as Washington DC, Philadelphia and Miami. Here, the delegation learned about typical architectural works, modern design trends, as well as sustainable urban planning solutions, in order to accumulate experience and expand international connections for Vietnamese architects.

The working trip of the President of the Vietnam Association of Architects and the architects ended successfully, not only marking a new development step in Vietnam - Cuba cooperation in the field of architecture, but also expanding international exchange opportunities, raising the position of Vietnamese architects on the regional and global map.

Source: https://www.viglacera.com.vn/vi/portal/news.php/tin-tuc-su-kien/diem-bao/hoi-kien-truc-su-viet-nam-tang-cuong-hop-tac-toan-dien-voi-cua-va-mo-rong-ket-noi-quoc-te-id-10892.html