This is the first time exhibition has been organized with large scale to introduce the construction, development achievements and potentials of Culture, Sports and Tourism industries. The opening ceremony had participations of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Gia Khiem, Vice Chairwoman of Hanoi People’s Committee Ngo Thi Thanh Hang, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Tuan Anh, Deputy Director General of Vietnam National Administration of Tourism Nguyen Manh Cuong and many representatives of Government organizations, units of the ministry, departments of culture, sports and tourism in provinces and enterprises operating in culture, sports, tourism fields nationwide. In his opening speech, Minister Hoang Tuan Anh emphasized “With its endeavors to overcome difficulties, industries of Culture, Sports and Tourism have had contributions and effect activities to construct social spiritual life and an advanced Vietnamese culture imbued with national character”. On this occasion, organization board awarded certification of special national relic to 10 relics in cities and provinces.

The 10,000m² exhibition has been displayed according to 3 themes: presenting 40th anniversary of executing President Ho Chi Minh’s Testament; showing the photo and art works responding campaign of “studying and following Ho Chi Minh’s moral examples”; culture, sports and tourism fair 2009. The exhibition on photo and art works has showed about typical 300 art works and 128 photos selected from nearly 2,000 works which participated in the campaign of “studying and following Ho Chi Minh’s moral examples” organized by Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism between 2007 and 2009.

Vietnam Institute of Culture and Arts will co-operate with Department of International Cooperation to organize a seminar with theme “Cultural Industry in Vietnam: Reality and Solution” in the framework of the exhibition. In addition, the special art programs have been performed by art units in cities and provinces during the exhibition.

With area of 200m², the pavilion of Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) has displayed variety of images, materials, video-clips introducing the historical landmarks and the outstanding achievements of Vietnam tourism from its establishment to present, especially the period of innovation and international integration through last 20 years. In addition, Vietnam tourism promotion for heightening people’s awareness of tourism has been strengthened by the display of tourism publications, paintings, large-size maps reflecting beautiful landscapes, famous tourist destinations and world heritage sites in Vietnam. Some tourism video-clips have been presented during the exhibition.

In VNAT’s pavilion, the computer network connected to the internet also has gotten ready for voting Halong Bay as one of seven world natural wonders.

The finish of opening ceremony was art performance of Vietnam Song and Dance Theatre. The exhibition will open until September 2, 2009.

Thuy Hang