"Experience Azerbaijan" – A bridge for international cultural, tourism and educational exchange

On September 8, in Hanoi, Hanoi College of Commerce and Tourism coordinated with the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Vietnam and related units to organize the program "Experience Azerbaijan".

This is a special program aimed at strengthening cultural exchange, exploring tourism potential, and expanding educational and training cooperation between Vietnam and the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Speaking at the event, the Principal of Hanoi College of Commerce and Tourism (HCCT), Dr. Trinh Thi Thu Ha, said: Organizing the "Azerbaijan Experience" event at HCCT is an important milestone in a series of activities aimed at internationalizing the training environment, and also contributes to concretizing the contents of the Vietnam-Azerbaijan Joint Statement on elevating the Strategic Partnership after the official visit of General Secretary To Lam to Azerbaijan (May 2025).

Dr. Trinh Thi Thu Ha, Principal of Hanoi College of Commerce and Tourism (HCCT), delivered a speech at the program.

"We are proud to be a pioneering vocational education institution in promoting international cooperation, bringing students closer to global culture, tourism, and the economy. Today's event not only helps students broaden their knowledge but also opens up opportunities for training partnerships, internships, and employment in an international environment," emphasized Dr. Trinh Thi Thu Ha.

Ambassador Shovgi Mehdizada, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan to Vietnam, shared: "The first 'Azerbaijan Experience' event in Hanoi is not only a cultural activity but also a significant milestone in bilateral relations. This is an opportunity for us to introduce to our Vietnamese friends the unique values ​​of Azerbaijan's history, culture, traditions, and identity – in an academic environment where knowledge and cultural exchange are always highly valued. Through this event, Azerbaijan wants to convey to the Vietnamese people a message of friendship, cooperation, and cultural sharing. We are very proud to introduce to you the finest aspects of our country's cultural heritage, cuisine, art, architecture, and traditional customs."

"We believe this is an opportunity to further strengthen the ties between our two peoples, while promoting tourism, trade, academic cooperation, expanding investment opportunities, and enhancing mutual understanding," Ambassador Shovgi Mehdizada affirmed.

Mr. Shovgi Mehdizada, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan to Vietnam, shared his thoughts at the program.

At the program, delegates, experts, managers, and educators in the tourism sector exchanged views on the potential for tourism development and expanding cooperation in education and training between Vietnam and the Republic of Azerbaijan.

According to the program, in recent years, Azerbaijan has emerged as an attractive destination for international tourists thanks to the harmonious combination of majestic natural beauty, ancient cultural heritage, and the modernity of a dynamic developing country in the South Caucasus region.

Azerbaijan, known as the "land of fire," with its capital Baku – the city of wind – is a blend of the ancient and the modern. Here, visitors can stroll through the Old Town of Icherisheher – a UNESCO World Heritage site, admire the Maiden Tower – a historical symbol of the capital dating back to the 12th century, or explore the Heydar Aliyev Center with its unique, curving architecture designed by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid.

Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Tourism Administration, Nguyen Thi Hoa Mai, shared this at the program.

Beyond Baku, destinations like the Heydar Museum, Sheki, Gabala, Gusar, and Shahdag are all "hidden gems" on a journey to discover Azerbaijan. From the majestic Caucasus Mountains and the pristine Hyrcanian forests to ski resorts and traditional villages, everything combines to create a unique and captivating natural and cultural tapestry.

As a country where Eastern and Western civilizations intersect, Azerbaijan boasts a rich culture with traditional Mugham music, handicrafts, the famous Sheki carpets, and many unique folk festivals. In particular, its cuisine is a highlight that visitors will never forget.

The program attracted a large number of delegates and students.

Sharing at the program, Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Tourism Administration, Nguyen Thi Hoa Mai, said: In recent years, Vietnam has become a favorite destination for an increasing number of Azerbaijani citizens to visit and relax, especially at famous Vietnamese destinations such as Hanoi, Ha Long, Ninh Binh, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, and Phu Quoc... Azerbaijani tourists love the natural beauty, unique cuisine, and friendliness of the Vietnamese people. And Azerbaijan is gradually becoming an attractive destination for Vietnamese tourists – especially young people who love new experiences. With its unique geographical location at the crossroads of the two continents of Asia and Europe, possessing a mild climate, a rich history of architecture, and a rich cultural blend, Azerbaijan has great potential to attract tourists from Vietnam in particular and Southeast Asia in general.

One of the priorities of the Vietnam National Tourism Administration in the coming period is to promote the diversification of international tourist markets, expanding bilateral and multilateral cooperation, including with potential countries such as Azerbaijan. Therefore, on this occasion, the Vietnam National Tourism Administration acknowledges and highly appreciates the initiative of the Azerbaijani Embassy and the close cooperation of the Hanoi College of Commerce and Tourism.

Scenes from the program

"Connecting cultural and educational diplomacy through the 'Experience Azerbaijan' event is crucial, not only contributing to spreading the image of each country but also arousing the feelings and interest of the younger generation – the core force in developing sustainable tourism in the future. We are ready to work alongside Azerbaijani partners to promote and organize destination introduction programs, connect travel agencies, airlines, hotels, etc., in order to create a convenient and effective tourism corridor between the two countries," emphasized Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoa Mai.

Following this event, Hanoi College of Commerce and Tourism will continue to exchange ideas with Azerbaijani partners in developing internship programs, student exchanges, and expanding training cooperation in the fields of tourism, hotel and restaurant management, international communication, foreign languages, and culture and arts.

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/trai-nghiem-azerbaijan-cau-noi-giao-luu-van-hoa-du-lich-va-giao-duc-quoc-te-20250908145706525.htm