The festival brings together 25 foreign consultates, international organisations and numerous foreigners who are studying and working in the city.

Speaking at the opening, Chairman of the city People's Committee Le Hoang Quan said that the festival, the first of its kind to target foreign community in HCMC, is designed to advertise the cultural beauty and diversification of Ho Chi Minh city and Vietnam in general to the foreigners, promoting the city as a gateway of various cultures in the region.

The festival also provides an opportunity for the foreign friends to introduce their countries' cultural characteristics and essence to the city dwellers, he added.

Russian Consult General in HCMC, Anatoli Borovik praised the city's initiative to host the event, saying that it will contribute to boost cultural exchanges and understanding between Vietnam and foreign countries.

The three-day event features an array of activities, including an open-door stage for participating members to introduce their cuisine, traditional costume, arts performances; a photo exhibition on the city's achievements in foreign affairs on its way of integration and development ; and a cooking contest of Vietnamese dishes.

Art shows featuring Vietnamese traditional art forms, including "don ca tai tu" (Southern amateur music performance) and duet singing are also taking place during the festival.