World Crafts Council willing to share expertise with Hanoi

The World Crafts Council (WCC) is keen to send global experts, businesses and artisans to Hanoi to promote traditional craft villages, said Aziz Murtazaev, President of the WCC Asia Pacific Region.

Deputy Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Nguyen Manh Quyen (right) and President of WCC-Asia Pacific Region Aziz Murtazaev. Photo: The Hanoi Times

Speaking at a meeting with Deputy Chairman of Hanoi People's Committee Nguyen Manh Quyen on October 24, Aziz highlighted Hanoi's unique potential for craft village development, which he said is rare in the world.

He suggested that Hanoi make  craft villages a priority in its development strategy, increase investment and promote these crafts to raise global awareness of the city's artisans and their works.

The WCC delegation has visited Bat Trang Pottery Village and Van Phuc Silk Village, and 

met with local artisans, business owners, residents and community leaders, he said.

Through these visits, the delegation gained an overall picture of Bat Trang's pottery and Van Phuc's silk traditions, Aziz said.

The Council is particularly impressed by the history, heritage and dedication of artisans in preserving and developing Hanoi's craft villages, he said.

During the meeting, Vice Chairman Quyen explained that Hanoi currently has 1,350 craft and traditional craft villages, representing 56% of Vietnam’s total.

The city considers its craft villages as a key strength for development and has invested substantial resources to preserve and systematically develop these villages, he said.

Quyen hoped that the WCC would expand its cooperation with Hanoi to achieve sustainable development in craft villages.

The goal, he said, is not only to ensure that artisans can make a living from their craft, but also to help them prosper through traditional trades.

Regarding the WCC's recommendations on Bat Trang Pottery and Van Phuc Silk villages, Quyen instructed the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to take serious note and address them.

He also asked the department to maintain regular communication and recommend cooperation programs to maximize cooperation with the WCC.

From October 21 to 23, the WCC delegation conducted site visits to assess the criteria for recognizing Bat Trang Pottery Village in Gia Lam District and Van Phuc Silk Village in Ha Dong District as members of the World Crafts Cities Network.

The Council concluded that Bat Trang Pottery Village not only meets all the criteria of a traditional  craft village, but is well qualified to join the network of Creative Craft Cities worldwide.

The WCC also recognized the unique values of Van Phuc Silk Village, especially its deep cultural and historical heritage that spans thousands of years.