"In 1980, I started to take care of a herd of cows, which were provided by Cuba. Those cows were fat, healthy, and high quality. Cuban experts visited the farm sometimes for training. I was very happy to be part of the team developing this farm", Phan Doan Hiep - Dairy owner in Moc Chau Farm, Son La Province - said.
This is what Hiep remembers about the Cuban government's aid in the 1970's, when they provided thousands of dairy cows for breeding in Moc Chau Farm. He was also impressed with a road named after Cuba, built with support by the Cuban government. These examples of the two countries’ friendship will be part of the documentary made by Cuban filmmakers.
"Vietnam has always held a place in the hearts of the Cuban people. Yet, most still think of war when it comes to Vietnam. Not many know about Vietnam after Đổi mới. When I came to Vietnam this time, I could feel that the country has thrived, and I also met people who had good memories of Cuba. I want to pack these into the documentary", Diana Rosa Schlachter Pinon - a correspondent of Cuban television - said.
Besides Vietnam’s development after 30 years of Doi Moi, Cuban correspondents also want to show how Vietnam is preserving its culture and traditions.
One of their destinations, Chuong Village, located in Hanoi's Thanh Oai District, is well-known for its tradition of making conical hats, or non la, for over 300 years.
"We are interested in non la, as it is a symbol of Vietnamese women. Visiting this village, I saw a 92-year-old woman who is still devoted to making nón lá. I also saw little girls and teenagers who are making them. This shows how the traditional craft village continues. I hope this will be maintained for a long time", Madelin Ramirez Perez - a correspondent of Cuban News Agency - said.
In one month, Cuban correspondents will film in many locations across Vietnam, like Hanoi, Hai Phong, Ho Chi Minh City, and several provinces in the Mekong Delta Region. This will be aired on Cuban Television, the Cuban News Agency, and the Prensa Latina News Agency, and will introduce modern Vietnam to Latin America.
