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

At the reception, Vice Chairman of Hanoi People's Committee Nguyen Manh Quyen expressed his honor and joy to represent the leaders of Hanoi to welcome the delegation; affirming that the presence of the delegates is a testament to the increasingly developing friendship and cooperation between Hanoi and the World Craft Council and 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 ceramic village (Gia Lam district) and Van Phuc silk weaving village (Ha Dong district) are two of the typical symbols of cultural quintessence, creativity and skillful craftsmanship of Hanoi artisans.

“Honoring 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 promoting the development of craft village tourism and expanding international cooperation in the field of handicrafts…” - Vice Chairman Nguyen Manh Quyen emphasized.

The representative of Hanoi City’s leadership also highly appreciated the attention of the World Craft Council and the close cooperation between Uzbekistan’s cities with traditional craft traditions in the world; at the same time, he believed that the welcoming ceremony on the evening of February 14 would be an important premise for the parties to share experiences, enhance cultural exchanges, promote trade cooperation and sustainable development of traditional craft villages.

On behalf of the delegation, President of the World Craft Council Saad al-Qaddumi expressed his gratitude for the warm and respectful welcome of Hanoi. At the same time, he emphasized that the honoring of two craft villages in Hanoi is an affirmation of the talent and dedication of the artisans and skilled workers of the two craft villages of Bat Trang and Van Phuc in particular, and of Hanoi and Vietnam in general.

Mr. Saad al-Qaddumi also emphasized that the World Craft Council wishes to strengthen cooperation with the Hanoi government in promoting further development of the handicraft sector. In the immediate future, it will continue to discuss and recognize more craft villages of Hanoi to participate in the World Craft Cities Network.

In order to further promote the handicraft sector, Hanoi City wishes to strengthen cooperation with the World Craft Council and cities of Uzbekistan. Especially in some areas: preserving and developing traditional craft villages associated with sustainable tourism; training, improving skills for artisans and encouraging innovation in handicraft production.

Hanoi also wishes to expand trade cooperation and connect the handicraft product consumption market between Hanoi and Uzbekistan as well as other countries that are members of the World Craft Council. At the same time, cooperate in organizing international events and exhibitions to promote the traditional craft village products and culture of the parties.

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