The event is organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and the provincial People’s Committee.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha emphasised salt is not only an essential product but also cultural heritage and plays an importance role in the economy and various fields.
Vietnam boasts natural advantages for salt production and processing, including over 3,200km of coastline and favourable climate. Twenty-one provinces and cities are producing salt across about 11,400ha, with an annual output of 1 million tonnes. Some have established brands and geographical indications for salt while exporting the product to various markets, he noted.
However, Ha pointed out, the salt industry still faces many challenges, including outdated infrastructure, limited technology adoption, unstable income for salt farmers, and lax connectivity among stakeholders in the value chain.
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha speaks at the opening ceremony. (Photo: VNA)
He asked ministries, sectors, and coastal localities to give more support for salt production and value chain, issue specific financial policies to assist farmers, and help connect farmers with businesses, scientists and the market to improve salt value. He also suggested developing salt-related tours, providing training for the industry's workers, and upgrading infrastructure in key production areas.
Chairman of the Bac Lieu People's Committee Pham Van Thieu said it is his province's honour to host the first Vietnam Salt Craft Festival, noting the long-standing craft in Bac Lieu was recognised as national intangible cultural heritage in 2020.
The festival features a wide range of activities such as an exhibition of traditional and industrial salt products, salt making demonstration, visits to salt fields in Hoa Binh and Dong Hai districts, a workshop on measures for developing the salt industry, cultural performances, and trade promotion activities.
At the opening ceremony, the provincial adminsitration also recognised 20 outstanding salt-farming families for their contributions.
