Son Dong and Chuyen My craft villages become members of the World Crafts Cities Creative Network.

Attending the ceremony was Nguyen Xuan Luu, member of the Standing Board of the Hanoi Party Committee and Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee. Also present were Dr. Darlie Oommen Koshy, Vice President of the World Crafts Council; leaders of central ministries and agencies; international guests; delegates; artisans; skilled craftsmen; businesses; and representatives of craft village communities.

Delegates attend the event.

Speaking at the ceremony, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Nguyen Xuan Luu emphasized that the event carried special significance, marking a new milestone in preserving and promoting the traditional craft heritage of Hanoi, while affirming the position, reputation, and creativity of the capital's craft villages on the international stage.

Luu said Hanoi, known as the "City for Peace" and a "Creative City," has long been recognized as a place where the distinctive cultural values of Vietnam converge and are spread. Within that flow, traditional craft villages serve as "living heritage," embodying the intelligence, craftsmanship, cultural identity, and enduring creativity of generations of Thang Long-Hanoi residents.

Cultural performance at the ceremony.

Each craft village not only produces sophisticated handicrafts carrying a strong Vietnamese cultural imprint, but also preserves historical memories, folk knowledge, traditional craftsmanship, and the industrious and creative spirit of the Vietnamese people. These craft villages have contributed significantly to the cultural depth and unique vitality of the capital.

According to the Vice Chairman, recognizing the important role and value of traditional crafts and craft villages in the cultural, economic, and tourism development of the capital, the Hanoi Party Committee issued Resolution No. 09-NQ/TU dated February 22, 2022, on developing cultural industries in the capital.

The city has also implemented a comprehensive craft village development program for the 2025-2030 period, with a vision toward 2050, along with various mechanisms and policies aimed at preserving, honoring, and sustainably developing craft villages in connection with innovation, digital transformation, cultural tourism, and international integration.

Hanoi currently has 1,350 villages with craft activities and traditional craft villages, including 337 officially recognized craft villages, traditional craft villages, and traditional crafts.

These represent a valuable cultural resource that shapes Hanoi's distinctive identity through famous products such as ceramics, silk, mother-of-pearl inlay, wood sculpture, lacquerware, bamboo and rattan weaving, and embroidery.

"This is a great honor and source of pride not only for Hanoi but also for Vietnam. It also opens up important opportunities to further promote the image of the country, its people, and Vietnamese culture to international friends," Luu stressed.

At the ceremony, Luu thanked the World Crafts Council for its continued support, partnership, and recognition of the unique values of Hanoi's craft villages.

At the same time, the city pledged to continue strengthening international cooperation; promoting the preservation and development of traditional crafts; supporting innovation, product design, brand development, workforce training, and improving the competitiveness of Hanoi's handicraft products.

He also expressed gratitude to artisans, skilled craftsmen, researchers, businesses, and craft village communities who work tirelessly to preserve the "soul" of Vietnamese culture, pass traditional skills on to younger generations, and spread the image of a culturally rich, creative, and globally integrated Thang Long-Hanoi.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Darlie Oommen Koshy, Vice President of the World Crafts Council, said the organization was established in 1964 and has since connected more than 80 cities and craft villages worldwide into its network. Vietnam, he noted, has demonstrated strong leadership within the movement.

The recognition of Bat Trang and Van Phuc craft villages in 2024, followed by Chuyen My and Son Dong in late 2025, reflects Vietnam's consistent and dedicated efforts to elevate its craft villages on the global stage.

Dr. Darlie Oommen Koshy congratulated the artisans and communities of Chuyen My and Son Dong, affirming that the names of these craft villages not only enrich Vietnam's cultural identity but also contribute to the world's cultural heritage.

He also expressed his desire to continue close cooperation with the Hanoi People's Committee to strengthen ties between the two sides.

On this occasion, from May 8 to 10, Hanoi is organizing exhibitions, live demonstrations, and craft-making activities featuring outstanding craft-village products from Hanoi and provinces and cities across Vietnam at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel.