Vietnam Joins Annual Global Culture Festival in the RoK
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ICIF is one of the leading national and international fairs dedicated to the cultural industry sector. First launched in Shenzhen in 2004, this year’s ICIF-22 attracted participants from 110 countries and territories, with 6,000 exhibitors, 400 cultural activities, and coverage from 180 media organizations. The fair welcomes an average of around four million visitors annually.

Overview of ICIF-22 in Shenzhen, Guangdong. (Photo: Consulate General of Vietnam in Guangzhou)

Notably, during China’s APEC Year 2026, the exhibition area featuring cultural highlights and cultural industry products from the 21 APEC economies became one of the event’s key attractions, drawing strong interest from international guests and local visitors alike.

The Vietnam Cultural Space at the exhibition. (Photo: Consulate General of Vietnam in Guangzhou)

Within this framework, the “Vietnam Cultural Space” combined both traditional and modern presentations, including live demonstrations by artisans showcasing Vietnam’s intricate hand embroidery, Vietnamese coffee brewing performances, and screenings of promotional videos introducing Vietnamese culture, tourism, and businesses.

Leaders of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, members of the consular corps in Guangzhou, and international guests visit the Vietnam Cultural Space at the APEC exhibition area. (Photo: ICIF-22 Organizing Committee)

In particular, embroidered artworks featuring lotus flowers, peonies, and silk cotton flowers by designer Tuan Sanh conveyed messages of Vietnam-China friendship and cultural similarities between the two nations, while also honoring the craftsmanship and artistry of Vietnamese artisans.

Speaking at the conference titled “Economic, Trade and Cultural Tourism Cooperation Exchange - Shenzhen Connecting the World,” held within the framework of ICIF-22, Vietnamese Consul General in Guangzhou Nguyen Viet Dung described Shenzhen as a pioneering city in China’s reform and opening-up process and a recognized “city of innovation.”

Consul General Nguyen Viet Dung speaks at the conference. (Photo: ICIF-22 Organizing Committee)

The Consul General also noted that Vietnam is accelerating digital transformation, green transition, science and technology development, and innovation, viewing these as important drivers for rapid, sustainable growth and enhanced national competitiveness.

In that context, the connection between Shenzhen and Vietnam today goes beyond trade and investment cooperation, representing a meeting point of shared development visions, innovation, openness, and a common aspiration toward a prosperous future.

Looking ahead, the Consul General expressed hope that both sides would further deepen cooperation in key areas such as innovation, science and technology, digital transformation, green and sustainable development, smart supply chains and logistics, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.

Chinese media and press agencies cover the event. (Photo: Consulate General of Vietnam in Guangzhou)

He also expressed confidence that, based on the strong friendship and cooperative ties between Vietnam and China, along with the dynamism of the business communities on both sides, cooperation between Vietnam and Guangdong Province in general, and Shenzhen in particular, would continue to grow strongly and contribute meaningfully to bilateral and regional development.

The event received considerable attention from international friends, guests attending the “Economic, Trade and Cultural Tourism Cooperation Exchange - Shenzhen Connecting the World” conference, leaders of agencies and organizations from Guangdong Province and Shenzhen City, as well as numerous media outlets.

The “Vietnam Cultural Space” also drew extensive coverage from major Chinese media organizations, including Xinhua News Agency, China.org.cn, Guangdong Radio and Television Station, Guangzhou Television, Shenzhen Media Group, and Yangcheng Evening News - the newspaper with the largest circulation in Guangzhou.

The Vietnamese coffee culture experience area. (Photo: Consulate General of Vietnam in Guangzhou)

In interviews with reporters, Consul General Nguyen Viet Dung described the annual ICIF event in Shenzhen as a “window” for China to promote its culture globally and foster exchanges in the creative industries sector. For Shenzhen, the event also reflects the city’s spirit of innovation and ambition, while affirming its capacity to host cultural events of national and international scale. Notably, this marked the first year ICIF organized an exhibition area dedicated to all 21 APEC economies.

According to the Consul General, this design demonstrated the close connection among APEC economies ahead of the APEC-33 Leaders’ Week, scheduled to take place this November in Shenzhen - a city honored as China’s “City of Innovation” and often referred to as the country’s Silicon Valley. Visitors to the “Vietnam Cultural Space” also had the opportunity to experience Vietnamese coffee culture firsthand. Long lines of visitors waiting to try Vietnamese coffee highlighted the strong appeal of Vietnamese cuisine among Guangdong residents and international guests.

On this occasion, the Consulate General coordinated with the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, along with localities including Hanoi, Lang Son, Da Nang, and Ninh Binh, to prepare promotional videos and publications introducing Vietnamese tourism.

Upon entering the “Vietnam Cultural Space,” visitors could experience a harmonious blend of traditional and modern design elements, reflecting Vietnam’s cultural identity and beautiful natural landscapes. Together, these elements created a vibrant atmosphere inviting guests to explore and experience Vietnamese culture in a lively and colorful way.

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