The ASEAN Village kicked off in Ho Chi Minh City for the first time, on September 21, as an event to celebrate the 50th founding anniversary of ASEAN and 22 years since Viet Nam’s accession to the bloc.
An art performance at the opening ceremony
The opening ceremony featured traditional songs and dances about the land, people and culture of ASEAN countries.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Vice Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Le Thanh Liem said that the event is held to strengthen the ties among the 10 ASEAN member countries and promote cultural, trade and tourism exchanges between businesses in the ASEAN community.
During the event, the ASEAN Village space is divided into five major areas, including a stage for art performances, cultural spaces for the ten ASEAN member nations, 126 booths showcasing trade and tourism products, 50 food stalls introducing Vietnamese and ASEAN traditional cuisine, and a zone reserved for folk games.
Visitors also have an opportunity to explore the cultural practices and traditional costumes of the ASEAN countries.
Organised by the municipal Department of External Affairs and the Consulate Generals of the 10 ASEAN member nations, the four-day event is expected to attract around 500,000 visitors.