The head of the Hoi An municipal administration, Nguyen Van Son, discussed Hoi An’s significant development potential during the two-day festival. He highlighted the city’s cultural and ecological strengths, which have helped it become a popular tourist destination in central Vietnam. With over five million visitors every year, including a growing number of international travelers, Hoi An has established strong relationships with French agencies and organizations. The city is currently collaborating with the French Embassy in Hanoi to create a French Quarter on Phan Boi Chau Street, with the support of the French Development Agency (AFD) and an investment of nearly VND1,000 billion. Hoi An aims to become a creative city and join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. The city submitted its application in June 2023 and anticipates approval this October. If accepted, Hoi An will actively contribute to the network’s criteria, share management experience, promote sustainable development, protect the environment and heritage, and foster innovative value to boost the digital economy. Vietnamese Ambassador to France Dinh Toan Thang emphasized Hoi An’s popularity among both Vietnamese and international tourists. The Hoi An City Days in Paris event celebrates the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations and 10 years of the strategic partnership between Vietnam and France. The opening ceremony featured cultural performances by Vietnamese artists, showcasing the traditions and heritage of the Southcentral region of Vietnam. Visitors enjoyed the Apsara dance, the cultural and spiritual life of the Champa people, and the ancient red moon melody. The festival also included performances of ethnic musical instruments and folk games.
Paris Launches Hoi An City Cultural Days
On August 29, the city of Paris was host to the launch of Hoi An City Cultural Days, an event which seeks to showcase the culture and heritage of the UNESCO-recognised world heritage site in Vietnam to French citizens and tourists.