The seminar attracted more than 100 delegates, including representatives of the Ha Noi Department of Finance, the Ha Noi Centre for Investment Promotion and Enterprise Support; representatives of relevant departments, branches, sectors and units of the city; the Ha Noi Handicraft and Craft Village Association; experts, scientists, universities, designers, startup groups; along with representatives of many traditional craft villages, production and export enterprises, production facilities, and business households in the capital and some provinces in the Red River Delta.
In her opening speech, Nghiem Thi Hoang Anh, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Centre for Investment Promotion and Enterprise Support underscored that Ha Noi is a locality with the richest and most diverse system of craft villages in the country, which is one of the “pillars” that create the cultural identity of Thang Long-Ha Noi.
The entire city currently has more than 1,350 craft villages and villages with crafts, of which over 300 craft villages and traditional craft villages have been recognised. Many craft villages have become familiar brands such as Bat Trang ceramics, Van Phuc silk, Thuy Ung horn combs, Phu Nghia rattan and bamboo, Phung Xa weaving, Thuong Tin embroidery, Dinh Cong jewelry, Hang Trong paintings, etc.
Craft villages not only create jobs and stable income for people, contribute to local economic growth, but are also “living museums” preserving the quintessence of technology, lifestyle, thinking and soul of Thang Long-Ha Noi people. However, facing the requirements of integration, transformation of growth models, the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and rapid changes in the market, many craft villages are facing great pressure and challenges.
The programme aimed to form a long-term connection network between management agencies, scientists, artisans, businesses and investors, thereby unlocking socialised resources for investment, preservation and development of craft villages.
