Vietnam Has the First Two Craft Villages in the World Network of Creative Craft Cities

Delegates perform the opening ceremony of the event displaying, demonstrating, and creating Hanoi handicraft products in 2025.

The event was attended by Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh, member of the Party Central Committee, Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly; Mr. Le Minh Hoan, member of the Party Central Committee, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development; Mr. Tran Sy Thanh, member of the Party Central Committee, Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee, Mr. Sa'ad al-Qaddumi, Chairman of the World Craft Council, along with leaders of ministries, departments, central and Hanoi sectors as well as international organizations

Symbol of endless creativity.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Nguyen Manh Quyen, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee, said that Hanoi is the place with the largest number of craft villages and artisans in the country, with 1,350 craft villages and villages with crafts, converging 47/52 traditional crafts of the country. Each craft village has its own identity, with unique products in the local cultural style; highly competitive in the domestic and international markets, notably ceramic products, weaving, embroidery, lace, wooden handicrafts, and agricultural processing...

Mr. Nguyen Manh Quyen, Vice Chairman of Hanoi People's Committee spoke at the event

The two craft villages of Bat Trang and Van Phuc are not only symbols of traditional Vietnamese crafts but also creative works of art, crystallized from the talent and dedication of artisans and skilled workers.

To date, the world has 68 craft villages in 28 countries recognized as members of the World Network of Creative Craft Cities. The recognition of Bat Trang ceramics and Van Phuc silk weaving villages as members of the World Craft Cities Network by the World Craft Council is both a source of pride and a testament to the efforts to preserve and promote traditional values while meeting the needs of the times. The Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee emphasized that in the coming time, Hanoi is committed to continuing to cooperate with international organizations, especially the World Craft Council, to promote further the quintessence of Hanoi's crafts as well as effectively carry out the work of preserving and promoting the values ​​of the capital's craft villages.

Awarding certificates to the two craft villages of Bat Trang Ceramics and Van Phuc Silk Weaving as members of the World Network of Creative Craft Cities

Bat Trang is not only the cradle of Vietnamese ceramics but also a symbol of endless creativity. Bat Trang is famous for its pottery-making craft over 500 years ago. With extensive experience and creativity, ceramic artisans have restored ceramic models from ancient times such as the Ly, Tran, Le, and Mac dynasties... Bat Trang ceramics are made from extremely meticulous and precise glaze and kiln firing techniques, bringing harmony in both the shape and color of the ceramic, and is where traditional and modern ceramics of Vietnam intersect. Ceramic products are not only sophisticated in form but also diverse in design, thereby increasingly attracting the attention of domestic and foreign consumers. About Van Phuc silk weaving village, which has a history of thousands of years, artisans have preserved and developed the art of silk weaving, with silk sheets that are not only beautiful in color but also sophisticated in every line and pattern. Van Phuc Silk Weaving Village is becoming a famous tourist and sightseeing destination in the capital for visitors to explore and learn about traditional beauty.

Many exquisite ceramic products were displayed at the event.

Mr. Nguyen Xuan Dai, Director of the Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, informed that in 2025, the Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development aims to propose the World Craft Council to recognize at least 2 more craft villages as creative craft cities of the world.

On the side of the Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the important role of craft villages has been identified, thereby advising the City People's Committee to issue a Master Plan for developing craft villages in Hanoi for the period 2024 - 2030, with a vision to 2050, with 6 key task groups and 11 solution groups.

A clear demonstration of the Vietnamese people's perseverance and resilience

At the ceremony, Mr. Saad al-Qaddumi, President of the World Craft Council, assessed that Vietnam, especially traditional craft villages in Hanoi, have long been famous for their sophisticated handicraft products, preserved and developed over many centuries. From the exquisite ceramic products of Bat Trang to the soft silk of Van Phuc, these are not only a means of livelihood, but also vivid symbols of the culture, creativity, and resilience of the Vietnamese people."

The President of the World Craft Council emphasized: "Although Vietnamese craft villages have gone through countless challenges, ups, and downs of history and faced the risk of extinction like many other craft communities in the world, we have witnessed a strong revival and development, a clear demonstration of the Vietnamese people's perseverance and resilience."

According to Mr. Saad al-Qaddumi, over the past 40 years, the Vietnamese government has always paid attention and invested in restoring and developing traditional industries, including Van Phuc silk and Bat Trang ceramics. These efforts have not only helped revive sophisticated handicrafts but also created many new opportunities, especially for women, helping them participate in the economy and continue to preserve cultural identity for future generations.

Many exquisite ceramic products were displayed at the event.

“Today, Bat Trang and Van Phuc are symbols of revival and strong development. The story of these two craft villages is a clear testament to the resilient spirit of the community, showing that despite the many difficulties they have faced, they have been able to rise up and once again become the center of handicrafts and cultural pride. In honoring these two craft villages today, we also acknowledge the determination and efforts of the Vietnamese people, who have not only preserved their cultural identity but also brought traditional crafts to new heights on the world map,” affirmed Mr. Saad al-Qaddumi.

Source: Vietnam Business Forum