The event, themed "Traditions, Innovations and Interactions: Paving a Creative Path for Traditional Textiles of Southeast Asia", will be held in the northern province of Thai Nguyen.

Vietnam will be represented by members of the Vietnam Textiles Association, craftsmen from traditional weaving villages of 11 ethnic groups, designers, manufacturers and researchers.

Speaking at a press conference, Nguyen Van Tinh, Director of the International Co-operation Department under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said that this is the first time Vietnam has hosted such a large event on ASEAN traditional textiles.

It will create an opportunity for Vietnam and other nations to co-operate in traditional textiles, and help the country introduce the quintessence of ethnic groups' textiles, he added.

Within the framework of the symposium, a number of cultural activities will take place, such as workshops, exhibitions and demonstrations of the trade villages and their culture, fashion shows and fairs.

Two scientific workshops, which will explore the topics "From traditional textile villages to light industry trade" and "Conservation and promotion of traditional textiles in museums", will see the participation of various researchers and manufacturers.

A three-day trade fair with 15 international stalls and 60 Vietnamese stalls will introduce traditional and contemporary weaving and embroidery to audiences.

The event's fashion show will take place over three nights with different themes, including the traditional costumes of Vietnam's ethnic groups, and ethnic groups in ASEAN countries.

Vietnamese artisans will demonstrate how to make the linen cloth of the Mong ethnic group; the brocades of the Pa Then, Tay, Thai, Nung, Muong, Ede, M'nong, and Cham ethnic groups, and the silk of the Kinh and Khmer people.

Other cultural activities such as folk games, water puppet shows and the performance of traditional instruments will also be held to introduce Vietnamese culture to international friends.