Vietnamese culture on display in France

HA NOI — A cultural space featuring the people and landscapes of Viet Nam has opened at an international fair in Tours, 220km southwest of Paris, kicking off a series of cultural events in the Viet Nam Month held in various localities in France.

A greeting gate imitating the Ngo Mon (Noon Gate) in Viet Nam's former Hue royal capital has been constructed to welcome visitors to the Vietnamese cultural space entitled "Charming Viet Nam," where images and objects featuring the country's heritage such as Ha Long Bay, Hoi An and the Thang Long Royal Capital

relics as well as the lifestyles and cultures of Viet Nam's ethnic groups.

"It's so beautiful," said Jean Jacques Rousselle, a French visitor, "I feel as if I were in Viet Nam. I love Vietnamese cuisine and traditional art performances. They are all so impressive and wonderful."

This year, Viet Nam participated the fair as an honoured guest, following China, Argentina and the UK.

Later this year, various other cultural activities will be held in L'Orient, Paris, Marseille and Dreux.

"After a month of large-scale and well-advertised events held throughout France, we hope people will understand more about Viet Nam," said Nguyen Van Tinh, head of the External Co-operation department of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Tinh further said the ministry would like to lure more French tourists. Last year, around 200,000 French tourists visited Viet Nam.

A Ho Chi Minh-themed space has been available inside the Viet Nam exhibition area to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the day President Ho (then known as Nguyen Van Ba) set off abroad in 1911 to seek a way to liberate Viet Nam from colonism in 1911 and the 65th anniversary of the first day President Ho officially visited France as a head of state in 1946.

"We are proud that President Ho Chi Minh came here to attend the Congress of Tours, which saw the founding of the French Communist Party in 1920," said Jean Germain, mayor of Tours. "The Ho Chi Minh-themed space really moved me. Large numbers of visitors have come to the Viet Nam space. I love the space very much and very happy to receive you here."

The Tours Fair 2011, which covers a total area of 50,000sq.m, attracts more than 700 professional producers and suppliers of various fields including construction, internal and external decoration, health-care, cosmetics and entertainment.

The Viet Nam Month is among the first events celebrating the 40th anniversary of the diplomatic relationship establishment between the two countries in 2013.

Sourse: VNS