Hanoi's OCOP exhibition boosts tourism with handicraft products and craft villages
The exhibition is part of a broader series promoting tourism-oriented One Commune, One Product (OCOP) development in the capital city.
THE HANOI TIMES — An exhibition introducing OCOP handicrafts and tourism-linked village products organized by the Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade is underway to offer tourists a vivid showcase of craftsmen’s creativity.
The three-day exhibition staring on October 18 features 80 booths, including a dedicated area showcasing traditional handicrafts from the local communities.
Selfie corner showcasing handicrafts from unique conical hats of Chuong Village in Hanoi. Photo: Anh Kiet/The Hanoi Times
Having heard about the event a few days ago, Nguyen Thi Thanh from Hanoi's Tu Liem Ward was among the first to come to the exhibition. After spending hours looking at the myriad of traditional handicrafts, Thanh bought dozens of handmade ceramics from famous Bat Trang Village.
"I want to find some souvenirs associated with Hanoi for myself, my family and friends living abroad. The exhibition site is lively with all the stalls neatly decorated and displaying typical products of Hanoi," Thanh shared with The Hanoi Times.
Meanwhile, Johnny Tran, Thanh's friend and an oversea Vietnamese, showed interest in the photos of Hanoi's trading villages. "It was exciting to learn that Hanoi has many ancient handicraft villages," said Johnny.
Nguyen Thi Thanh (in white) and her friend, Johnny Tran (first left) are selecting products displayed at the exhibition. Photo: Anh Kiet/The Hanoi Times
According to Hoang Minh Lam, Director of the Center for Industrial Promotion and Development Consultancy under the Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade, the exhibition is part of a broader series promoting tourism-oriented OCOP development across the capital city.
The department plans to continue such exhibitions to late 2025 to boost the visibility of local crafts and establish a network of Creative Design Centers linked to tourism.
“By offering a vibrant platform for traditional products, especially ceramics, rattan and bamboo weaving and garments, the program supports artisans and small businesses while appealing to both local and international visitors,” Lam told The Hanoi Times.
Exhibitions will also feature live demonstrations of craft techniques and production processes, giving tourists a closer look at the skills and traditions that shape Vietnam’s cultural identity.
Hoang Minh Lam, Director of the Center for Industrial Promotion and Development Consultancy (first from left), and Trinh Quoc Dat, President of the Vietnam Association of Craft Villages (second from right) visit the exhibition on October 18. Photo courtesy of the center
Many local enterprises, production facilities, artisans and skilled craftspeople in Hanoi and other provinces have joined the event to display and trade their distinctive creations, said Trinh Quoc Dat, President of the Vietnam Association of Craft Villages.
He talked to The Hanoi Times that the Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade has called for carefully designed, visually appealing and well-organized displays to ensure success. “Artisans and businesses are encouraged to create open and engaging spaces that invite visitors to explore.”
Dat stressed that the event aims to foster pride in traditional craft villages, provide a platform to showcase handicrafts and promote craft village tourism in the city.
Hanoi is home to more than 1,350 handicraft villages, accounting for roughly one-quarter of the national total. These villages collectively generate over VND24 trillion (US$1 billion) annually, making a significant contribution to the city’s GRDP.
Recently, the city’s master plan for the development of craft villages with a vision to 2050 sets the target to restore by 2030 at least five traditional crafts and craft villages that are at risk of disappearing.
OCOP handcrafted products are displayed at the exhibition. Photos: Anh Kiet/The Hanoi Times
Exquisite products of Bat Trang Ceramics Village in Hanoi are displayed.
Nguyen Thu Thuy, the owner of Handbag Manufacturer of Vietnam Co.,Ltd. from Ho Chi Minh City, introduces her company’s products to visitors.
Many women are interested in OCOP products from the northern province of Hung Yen.
Specialties from the northern province of Bac Ninh and the central province of Nghe An are on display.
Women look at rattan and bamboo products of Phu Vinh Craft Village in Hanoi.
Traditional Vietnamese Ao dai made from famous Van Phuc Silk of Hanoi.
