Attending the congress were delegates from the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee; Ministry of Home Affairs; Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development; Ministry of Industry and Trade; Ministry of Science and Technology; Vietnam Federation of Commerce and Industry; Ministry of Education and Training; People's Committees of Hanoi and Hai Duong cities... and many members of the Vietnam Craft Village Association.

Speaking at the opening of the Congress, Mr. Luu Duy Dan - Chairman of the Vietnam Craft Villages Association, term III and IV, said that after 19 years of establishment and development, the Vietnam Craft Villages Association has continuously grown and developed through 4 Congresses. The Association has been performing well its role as a bridge between the State and traditional craft villages, enterprises, economic and cultural organizations, artisans and businessmen operating in the field of handicraft production.

Mr. Luu Duy Dan - Chairman of the Vietnam Craft Village Association, Term III and IV, delivered the opening speech at the Congress. Photo: Thanh Tuan

The Association has gathered a large team of experts, scientists, culturalists, Association levels, artisans and members, thus creating new vitality for Vietnamese craft villages.

Implementing the Resolution of the 4th National Congress of the Vietnam Craft Village Association, term 2018 - 2023 with the goal of "Connecting craft village communities - Preserving Culture - Developing Tourism - Innovation - International Integration", the Standing Committee of the Association has maintained close direction and sought opinions from the Advisory Council, experts and scientists to provide appropriate directions, practical activities, encourage production, creativity, transmission - teaching - preserving crafts in traditional craft villages in the face of the reality that many crafts are at risk of being lost.

Mr. Luu Duy Dan also emphasized that with the efforts and achievements in all aspects of activities, on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of its establishment (November 20, 2020), the Vietnam Craft Villages Association was honored to receive: The Third Class Labor Medal awarded by the President. The Association also received a Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister, many Certificates of Merit from the Ministry of Industry and Trade, a Banner from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development with 18 words: "Vietnam Craft Villages Association preserves - honors - develops traditional Vietnamese craft villages", a Certificate of Merit and Emulation Flag from the Vietnam Fatherland Front with the achievement: "For the cause of sustainable craft village development", the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry assessed the Vietnam Craft Villages Association as one of the three well-functioning and well-governed professional social organizations...

The 5th National Congress of the Vietnam Craft Villages Association, term 2024-2029. Photo: Thanh Tuan

With its special role and position in many fields, in order for the craft village sector to develop, at the Congress, the Chairman of the Vietnam Craft Village Association proposed to the National Assembly and the Government: Consider and give opinions on the construction and promulgation of the "Law on preservation and development of craft villages"; allow February 20, 1959, the day President Ho visited the traditional Bat Trang pottery village, Gia Lam district, Hanoi city, to be "Vietnam Craft Village Day".

It is recommended that the authorities give their opinions and directions to remove difficulties for craft villages in terms of environmental solutions, production premises, and finding outlets for craft village products; have specific plans and programs to promote the role and contributions to the development of the profession of generations of artisans, especially People's Artisans and State-level Excellent Artisans after being awarded the title; have policies to support capital, premises, and information for craft villages to continue to develop.

Sharing at the Congress, Ms. Pham Thu Hang - Deputy Director of the Department of Non-Governmental Organizations - Ministry of Home Affairs stated that the field of operation of the Vietnam Craft Villages Association is a unique and widespread feature. Traditional crafts are not only a means of earning a living but also the soul of the nation, promoting Vietnamese culture. This field is increasingly receiving attention from the Party and the State. Nearly 20 years ago, the establishment of the Association was inevitable to preserve and promote Vietnamese culture.

“ The Association has developed impressively in recent times, is a strong Association, operates systematically and focuses on many aspects such as: Policy consulting, developing members, young artisans, foreign affairs to develop strengths ”, said Ms. Pham Thu Hang. She also commented that the direction in the next term is very comprehensive. Currently, the Government is directing the Ministry of Home Affairs to evaluate the application of public services in the coming time of associations and unions across the country. The Association has mentioned this issue in the next term as very timely and important.

Ms. Pham Thu Hang - Deputy Director of the Department of Non-Governmental Organizations - Ministry of Home Affairs. Photo: Thanh Tuan

According to Mr. Nguyen Huu Phuoc - Vice President of the Vietnam Craft Village Association in charge of the South, handicrafts are the soul of craft villages, holding a unique and important position in today's world because of their cultural and historical connections; sustainability; personalization and uniqueness; economic impact; innovation and creativity...

To develop handicraft products, Mr. Nguyen Huu Phuoc said, it is necessary to implement comprehensive training programs that emphasize the importance of traditional craft techniques and modern applications. Encouraging partnerships between craftsmen and large production facilities can promote mutual learning and innovation.

Leveraging technology to enhance traditional craft techniques can make them more relevant and accessible. This includes using digital tools for design, marketing and production. Promoting the environmental benefits of craft and sustainable production methods can attract eco-conscious consumers and businesses.

“ Policies and incentives that support artisans and the handicraft industry can provide the necessary resources and recognition. Grants, subsidies and tax benefits can encourage the integration of handicrafts into larger production systems ,” Mr. Nguyen Phuoc Huu particularly emphasized.

Vietnam Craft Villages Association pays tribute to Mr. Vu Quoc Tuan - Founder of the Association.

From the perspective of craft villages, Mr. Nguyen Van Thinh - Vinh Son Snake Craft Village, Vinh Phuc, affirmed that the Vietnam Craft Village Association has helped the Craft Village Association in organizing activities, guiding and discussing to create quality products to meet market demand. In the activities of craft villages, the Vietnam Craft Village Association always closely monitors and directs and directly goes to the grassroots to participate and help in all activities.

Agreeing with the proposals of the Vietnam Craft Village Association at the Congress, Mr. Nguyen Van Thinh further proposed that currently, some provinces and cities do not have craft village associations, and suggested that the Vietnam Craft Village Association conduct discussions to unify the provinces to have craft village associations to create conditions for local craft village associations to operate systematically and have direct guidance to create a stronger development movement.

The Vietnam Craft Village Association recommends to state management agencies that the Association also be a focal point for introducing proposals for conferring the titles of Meritorious Artisan and People's Artisan.