Joining activities to have a better understanding of Vietnam’s culture and people is part of the results the ASEAN Women’s Circle of Hanoi (AWCH) has gained to enhance solidarity among its members.

AWCH members in Bac Giang on Dec 19. Photos: Baoquocte

In the latest trip to Bac Giang, about 50 km north of Hanoi, on December 19, spouses of Vietnamese diplomats, female ambassadors, spouses of ambassadors from ASEAN member states to Vietnam, and female diplomats of ASEAN's partners enjoyed the vivid experience when they visited fruit plantations in Luc Ngan District and craft villages in Viet Yen District.

AWCH’s honorable chairwoman Vu Thi Bich Ngoc, spouse of Vietnam’s Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son, said the trip to the “fruit hub in the north of Vietnam” became more interesting with experience gained during the visit to craft villages that are well-known for making noodle and traditional wine.

Delegates are all happy to come to a land rich in centuries-long craft villages and Quan ho (folk songs) that was recognized in 2009 as UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Viet Yen is keeping the long-lasting culture.

Field trips like this enable our friends in ASEAN to understand more about Vietnam’s land and people, connecting us together, Ngoc said.

Bac Giang is also known for dynamic economic development, which is home to transnational giants, including Foxconn, one of Apple’s major suppliers. The locality was also good at fighting against Covid-19 after four months despite widespread transmission in industrial parks.

Enjoyable moments in Bac Giang.

Last month, the delegation went to Chu Dau craft village in the northern province of Hai Duong to learn about the 400-year ceramic village. 

Visiting craft villages and cultural heritage is part of the annual activities of AWCH since it was launched in 2015. AWCH was established with the participation of women from Vietnam and 19 partners of ASEAN.

In 2020, AWCH members were introduced to the art of hand embroidery – a long-standing traditional craft of Vietnam.

AWCH is a significant step towards the realization of the bloc’s common goals. Over the past six years, the group has organized a range of cultural activities and people-to-people exchanges, therefore contributing to enhancing intra-bloc connectivity.

AWCH marks the friendship and cooperation between Vietnamese women and those from ASEAN member countries, as well as among ASEAN, enabling regional women to share knowledge and experience, boosting gender equality, and elevating female diplomats’ roles.

AWCH’s members have diverse and practical exchange activities to share experiences, support each other and enhance mutual understanding and friendship, contributing to building a strong and united ASEAN Community.

AWCH members in Chu Dau ceramic village in Hai Duong Province in November 2021.