Promoting the Value of Hanoi's Craft Villages

Hanoi's craft villages, with their unique products, have significantly contributed to the cultural and socio-economic development of the capital and the country. To preserve and advance traditional crafts and boost market competitiveness, Hanoi is creating a master plan for craft village development from 2024 to 2030, with a vision to 2050.

Van Phuc Ha Dong Silk Village is renowned as one of Vietnam's most prestigious silk weaving centers

Joining the world creative network

According to the Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the city is home to 1,350 craft villages, including 331 recognized traditional craft villages. These villages represent 47 out of the 52 traditional crafts nationwide and are spread across 25 districts, towns and cities. The annual revenue of these craft villages is estimated to exceed VND24,000 billion.

Hanoi's traditional craft villages are increasingly popular with both domestic and international tourists due to their rich cultural heritage and the creativity of artisans. Notable products from these villages include: Phu Vinh rattan and bamboo products from Chuong My district; Chuong hats from Thanh Oai district; Ha Thai lacquerware and Quat Dong embroidery from Thuong Tin district; Van Phuc silk from Ha Dong district; Bat Trang ceramics from Gia Lam district; Xuan La figurines from Phu Xuyen district

The Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is working on a plan to upgrade craft villages with the goal of joining the network of Creative Craft Cities worldwide. Mr. Nguyen Xuan Dai, Director of the department, said that following the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the World Crafts Council, Hanoi has initiated several programs, including developing a plan to elevate craft villages to global creative craft city status and promoting their image internationally. Additionally, a pilot program will be launched to preserve at least one craft village with a focus on green, sustainable development and tourism.

In 2024, the department plans to submit applications to the World Crafts Council to recognize at least two Hanoi craft villages as members of the creative craft cities network, aiming to enhance the craft villages' reputation and value, supporting their comprehensive and sustainable development. It will also boost the local economy, increase incomes and improve quality of life for residents. Moreover, it will provide opportunities for exchange with other creative craft cities, broaden knowledge about global craft markets, and establish new tourist destinations that showcase Vietnamese cultural heritage, according to Mr. Nguyen Xuan Dai.

Enhancing policies for craft village development

The Hanoi People's Committee has identified craft villages as a key focus in the upcoming decade for cultural industry development. Recognized as an important element in local socio-economic progress, these villages are also deemed destinations for both domestic and international tourists visiting Hanoi.

In recent years, the city has paid great attention to craft village development policies, especially focusing on a number of policies on vocational training, vocational transmission, and projects to support the development of industries. Policies to support the completion of technical infrastructure of craft villages and reduce environmental pollution have helped craft villages become attractive tourist destinations.

To drive the sustainable development of craft villages, Hanoi is crafting a master plan for the period 2024-2030, with a vision to 2050. This plan aims to: Preserve and promote cultural values and honor artisans; Maintain and develop traditional crafts and villages while fostering new industries; Enhance key craft villages based on local strengths; Develop supporting services and strengthen the roles of involved stakeholders. The plan includes solutions for sustainable development, such as improving public awareness, state management and policy support. It also focuses on developing raw material areas, training human resources, and integrating science and technology into production.

According to Nguyen Van Chi, Director of the Rural Development Department, the master plan for developing craft villages in Hanoi for 2024-2030, with a vision to 2050, is being finalized for submission to the Hanoi People's Committee for approval. This plan is viewed as a key lever for ensuring the sustainable growth of craft villages, preserving their traditional values and cultural identities, increasing workers' incomes, and contributing to the broader socio-economic development of both Hanoi and its local communities.

By Do Ngoc, Vietnam Business Forum