Nguyen Manh Quyen, Deputy Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee, on February 14 met with a delegation from the World Craft Council and the mayors of Kokand, Rishtan, and Margilan from Uzbekistan.

The delegation visited Hanoi to attend an event showcasing handicraft products and a ceremony recognizing Bat Trang pottery village and Van Phuc silk weaving village as members of the World Creative Craft Cities Network.

Quyen welcomed the delegation to Hanoi, a city with a rich cultural history. He said that their visit reflects the growing friendship between Hanoi, the World Craft Council, and the craft cities of Uzbekistan.

The deputy chairman introduced Hanoi as a city with many famous craft villages and highlighted Bat Trang pottery and Van Phuc silk weaving villages as symbols of Hanoi's cultural excellence.

The recognition of these villages strengthened Hanoi's global position in handicrafts and motivated the city to preserve its cultural heritage, promote craft tourism, and expand international cooperation, he said.

He praised the World Craft Council's efforts and the strong cooperation among cities with rich craft traditions.

"Uzbekistan, with cultural heritages and craft villages, offers an opportunity for both sides to share experiences, strengthen cultural exchanges, and promote sustainable development of traditional crafts," said the deputy chairman.

Hanoi aims to further develop its handicraft sector by strengthening ties with the World Craft Council and Uzbek cities, he added.

The city plans to share experiences in preserving and developing craft villages, support training to improve artisans' skills, encourage innovation, expand trade, and connect markets for handicraft products, he said.

Hanoi also hopes to organize international events and exhibitions to promote the crafts and cultures of participating cities, the official said.

"Hanoi is committed to creating favorable conditions for artisans and businesses to expand production, innovate, and meet both domestic and international demand. We look forward to working closely with the World Craft Council and Uzbek cities to develop the handicraft industry and serve as a cultural bridge between nations," said Deputy Chairman Quyen.

Sa'ad al-Qaddumi, President of the World Craft Council, said that it is honor to attend the event in Hanoi, where two Vietnamese craft villages join the World Creative Craft Cities Network.

Hanoi's many craft villages present an opportunity for more Vietnamese villages to join the network, he said.

He introduced the World Craft Council's plans to develop the craft sector in West Asia and promote tourism in craft cities. He also noted that 2024 marked the 60th anniversary of the World Craft Council, which has played a key role in supporting and protecting craft industries worldwide.

He expected that governments worldwide will help foster activities to bring countries and regions together, enabling cultural exchange and mutual development.

This collaboration, he said, would help preserve and develop Hanoi's crafts, showcase Vietnamese craftsmanship globally, and bring international handicraft products to Vietnam.

The mayors of Kokand, Rishtan, and Margilan also expressed interest in cooperating with Hanoi to preserve and develop craft villages.

During the event, Hanoi authorities presented the World Craft Council members with unique handicraft products from Bat Trang and Van Phuc villages. The World Craft Council also gave special publications about traditional craft villages to the Hanoi delegates.