In the opening speech at the event, Ambassador Nguyen Nguyet Nga, Honorary Chairwoman of the ASEAN Women's Circle of Hanoi, sponsor of this year's event affirmed that, after the success in the 5 previous editions, the International Food Festival has now become an annual event attracting the participation of many Embassies, foreign cultural centers and organizations in Vietnam, Vietnamese localities and agencies of the MOFA, as well as domestic and international businesses.
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Ambassador Nguyen Nguyet Nga, Honorary Chairwoman of the ASEAN Women's Circle of Hanoi, sponsor of this year's event.
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According to Mr. Nguyen Ba Trac, Director of the SDDC, this year's event was participated by 130 booths run by 90 units from foreign Embassies, foreign cultural centers and organizations in Vietnam, agencies of the MOFA, some Vietnamese localities, businesses and sponsors. This has been largest number of participants since the festival was first held in 2014.
The annual festival is an occasion for countries to exchange cultures and enhance mutual understanding while the host can promote the image of Vietnam and tourism to foreign countries through the participating embassies and foreign cultural centers. It is also a chance for businesses to promote their brands and introduce their products to both domestic and international audiences.
Besides, as the international food festival holds fund-raising for charity, it carries humanitarian meaning. As much as 2 billion VND was raised for disabled people, orphans, and poor women and people living in a difficult state across the country in the previous editions of the international food festival.
This year's International Food Festival also included cultural and art exchange activities with traditional dances and songs. Despite the cold weather and long lasting rain, a large number of tourists came to this year’s festival.
