The event is part of a national culinary programme that has been implemented by the Italian government since 2018 and has so far been held in 40 countries globally.
This marks the first event of its kind held by the ICHAM in the nation since the initial outbreak of the novel coronavirus pandemic.
The cultural occasion aims to introduce a range of traditional Italian cuisine and drinks to participants, including pasta, olive oil, and wine with a specific focus on the “True Italian Taste-Paste” event which will be held in the Caravelle Hotel on June 3 with the attendance of three leading Italian chefs in Ho Chi Minh City.
During the press conference, Italian Ambassador to Vietnam Antonio Alessandro outlined how traditional Italian dishes such as pasta are enjoyed in many regions worldwide and have become the most popular food globally according to a survey conducted by Oxfam.
Ngoc Han, Miss Vietnam 2010, an ambassador for the “True Italian Taste” brand locally said that the popularity of pasta has allowed both businesses and food bloggers to reach a wider audience through their use of social networks.
As a background to the event, two-way trade turnover between Vietnam and Italy reached US$5 billion in 2019, of which, the export turnover of Italian food products to the country reached over US$100 million.
In line with this rich trading relationship, Ambassador Alessandro stated that when the Vietnam-European Union Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) comes into force, it will create a range of favourable opportunities for Italian cuisine products to gain a greater foothold within the nation.
Pham Hoang Hai, ICHAM Executive Director, said the event aims to provide importers, food distributors, and related companies with a greater knowledge of pasta, in order for customers to enjoy a wide range of options when seeking to use genuine Italian products.
