The fifth annual event featured 120 pavilions representing 35 foreign embassies in Vietnam, alongside foreign cultural centres, non-governmental organisations, foreign relations departments of provinces across the country, units under the MOFA, and a number of enterprises.
The booths showcased specialty foods and souvenirs from different countries and Vietnamese localities, while presenting unique handicraft products and other types of products from craft villages and businesses across Vietnam.
Visitors to the festival not only had the chance to enjoy tasty dishes, but they were also entertained by unique dance and musical performances by both Vietnamese and international students and artists.
In her opening remarks, Ambassador Nguyen Nguyet Nga, the wife of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and also the patron of the event, stated that the programme is a continuation of all the humanity, friendship, sharing and mutual affection activities in the community.
The festival offered a platform for foreign diplomats and international organisations to enhance exchanges with MOFA officials and Vietnamese people, thus helping to strengthen mutual understanding and promote tourism and cuisines of participating countries. Besides, it provided Vietnamese businesses with an opportunity to advertise their brands, services, and products to international friends.
Apart from cultural and cuisine activities, the 2017 Food Festival carried the humanitarian meaning as well, with donations from organisations and individuals going to charity.
Upon presenting certificates of recognition to the ten outstanding charity donors of the 2016 Food Festival, the organising committee granted 10 gifts to orphans and children with disabilities at the “Vi ngay mai” (For the Future) centre, alongside another VND200 million (US$8,800) in support of the construction of the Binh Thuan Kindergarten in Binh Thuan commune, Van Chan district, Yen Bai province. A donation of VND100 million (US$4,400) from the southern food pavilion was also contributed to the 2017 Food Festival’s charity fund.
Throughout the previous four editions of the food festival, more than VND1 billion (US$44,000) had been raised to support orphans, children with disabilities and disadvantaged women across Vietnam.
Ambassador Nguyen Nguyet Nga, the wife of Deputy PM and FM Pham Binh Minh, delivers her opening remarks. (Photo:NDO/Thuy Linh)
Nga and delegates present gifts to orphans and children with disabilities at the "Vi ngay mai" (For the Future) centre. (Photo:NDO/Thuy Linh)
A Cambodian folk music performance. (Photo:NDO/Thuy Linh)
A dance and musical performance by the teacher and kids from the Vietnam-Bulgaria kindergarten in Hanoi. (Photo:NDO/Thuy Linh)
A drum performance at the festival. (Photo:NDO/Thuy Linh)
The booth of the Russian Embassy showcases souvenirs imbued with Russian cultural identities. (Photo:NDO/Thuy Linh)
The pavilion of Ho Chi Minh City attracts visitors with "Banh khot" (cripsy savory pancakes). (Photo:NDO/Thuy Linh)
