Events Strengthen Ties Between Vietnam and France in Hanoi

At the opening ceremony. Photo: French embassy in Vietnam

An art performance honouring the 12th Vietnam-France decentralised cooperation conference was held in the pedestrian spaces of Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem district on the night of April 14, according to VOV. The event was organised to celebrate the ongoing conference.

Two other exciting events featuring pavilions from both countries also took place.

The occasion is an important part of the celebrations commemorating 50 years of diplomatic relations between France and Vietnam and 10 years of the bilateral Strategic Partnership. These festivities showcase the unparalleled excellence, responsibility, enjoyment, authenticity, and innovation of French gastronomic products, all under the banner of “Taste France”.

An art performance at the event. Photo: French embassy in Vietnam

The art performance sees the participation of 150 artists. Photo: French embassy in Vietnam

At the inauguration, French Ambassador to Vietnam Nicolas Warnery remarked that the festival this year welcomed 50 booths from renowned eateries, importers, and brands showcasing the best of French cuisine, including Paysan Breton, Métropole, Red Apron, Marou, Saint Honoré, La Table Hanoia, fruit and ham suppliers from France, and France 24.

Most notably, the diplomat declared that approximately 100 kilograms of fresh apples are being brought in daily during the festival, aiming to introduce this renowned French fruit to Vietnamese consumers.

Balade en France offers far more than just a delicious culinary experience; it also features a wide selection of stands introducing visitors to the wonders of French tourism, hotels, and other related products. With an array of attractions to explore, it’s the perfect place to get a glimpse into the unique culture of France.

Delegates visited the booths capturing culture, tourism and products of Vietnam, as well as cooperation between the two countries, along with France’s restaurants, hotels, agriculture and food. Photo: French embassy in Vietnam

Nguyen Manh Quyen, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, emphasized the importance of the three-day event in furthering cultural and people-to-people exchanges between France and the Vietnamese capital. He also stated that it would create a warm and inviting atmosphere of friendship, mutual trust, and understanding between the two countries.

Cooperation between the Vietnamese and French communities dates back to the 1990s, and since then, a conference has been held every two to three years, alternating between the two countries as hosts. This conference provides an important opportunity for both sides to discuss any difficulties, evaluate the results of their bilateral relations, and come up with practical solutions to help strengthen their partnership and diplomatic ties. According to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA), this is an invaluable chance to foster close ties between the two countries.

Along with Balade en France, the same day also saw the opening ceremony of an exciting art performance and installation programme titled “Colors of Vietnam” held by the city’s People’s Committee on Dinh Tien Hoang street and in the pedestrian area around Hoan Kiem lake. Along with Balade en France, the same day also saw the opening ceremony of an art performance and installation programme called “Colors of Vietnam” held by the city’s People’s Committee on Dinh Tien Hoang street and in the pedestrian area around Hoan Kiem lake.

The event features 80 booths, showcasing cultural, gastronomic, and tourism products from Hanoi and other regions. It also includes promotional areas for provinces and cities; exhibition areas for artisan village products; a culinary introduction area; and a common area highlighting the Vietnam-France partnership.

The event will be a remarkable occasion for people and visitors to experience the cultural richness and unique tourism attractions of Hanoi and other provinces and cities. It will also serve as a platform to highlight the cultural heritage, potential, and socio-economic accomplishments of Hanoi and other regions of Vietnam.

It is hoped that the image of Vietnam as a safe, attractive, and high-quality tourism destination will be promoted, thus communicating and reaffirming Vietnam’s dedication to creating a beneficial investment and business environment. This, in turn, will effectively draw foreign investment cooperation.

In addition to the two events, visitors have the opportunity to experience a wide range of art and culture performances by local and French artists, watch French movies, take art classes, and learn hip-hop dancing.

Visitors will have a chance to taste high-quality products such as milk, chocolate, bread, cheese, jambon, fruits, wine and spirits.

A booth sells fresh fruits at the event. Photo: French embassy in Vietnam

Visitors at a booth of France’s drinks. Photo: French embassy in Vietnam

Visitors visit booth of Yen Bai province.