Hanoi (VNA) –ꦓ A ceremony will be held at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel on February 14 by the Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to receive the certificates for the traditional craft villages of Bat Trang ceramics in outlying Gia Lam district and Van Phuc silk weaving in Ha Dong district as members of the Global Network of Creative Craft Cities.

On this occasion, Hanoi will organise an exhibition and demonstration of handicraft creation by local and foreign artisans from February 14-16, featuring various themed spaces, including Van Phuc silk, Bat Trang ceramics, international silk and ceramics, tea culture, cuisine, and OCOP (One Commune, One Product) items. Hanoi is home to 1,350 craft villages, including 337 recognised traditional craft villages by the municipal People's Committee. Despite vicissitudes in history, Hanoi's craft villages have preserved their unique identities. They play a vital role in economic restructuring and rural development, contributing to the success of the OCOP programme and the new-style countryside development initiative. Some of these sites have transformed themselves into popular tourist destinations.

Each craft village has its unique identity, producing distinctive products that reflect local cultural styles. These crafts, including ceramics, weaving, embroidery, lace-making, fine woodwork, and agricultural product processing, are highly competitive in both domestic and international markets. Notably, Bat Trang ceramics and Van Phuc silk weaving are not only symbols of Vietnam’s traditional craftsmanship but also creators of artistic masterpieces that embody the skill and dedication of artisans. With a history of over 500 years, Bat Trang ceramics are known as the cradle of Vietnamese porcelains and a symbol of continuous creativity. Its artisans have masterfully revived ancient ceramic styles from the Ly, Tran, Le, and Mac dynasties. Bat Trang ceramics are renowned for their meticulous glazing and firing techniques, achieving a perfect balance of form and colour. Blending tradition with modern craftsmanship, the village produces elegant and diverse ceramic designs, attracting both domestic and foreign consumers. In addition to Bat Trang ceramics, the softness of Van Phuc silk has long been a source of pride for Hanoians as it symbolises elegance and refinement. With a long-standing history, the craft of silk weaving in Van Phuc has been passed down through generations of artisans, preserving and developing the art of silk weaving. The silk made here is not only beautiful in colour but also exquisite in its intricate patterns. Van Phuc silk village has become a famous tourist attraction in the capital, where visitors can explore and learn about the traditional cultural identities of Vietnam.

In November 2023, the municipal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development was tasked with signing a memorandum of understanding with the World Crafts Council (WCC). In early 2024, the department actively worked on coordinating with the council to complete the documentation for recognising Bat Trang ceramics and Van Phuc silk weaving villages as members of the Global Network of Creative Craft Cities. Thanks to joint efforts by the Vietnam Handicraft Exporter Association (VIETCRAFT), local authorities, and artisans from both villages, Bat Trang and Van Phuc have met the WCC’s selection criteria, which are based on the four pillars of economy, culture, society and the environment. This set of criteria emphasises global recognition, local innovation, cooperation opportunities, and environmental protection during the production process. The craft villages have also been enhancing international cooperation, willing to learn from friends around the world to enrich their knowledge and techniques. They are also home to many artisans who work with passion and pass their crafts from generation to generation, contributing to preserving and advancing their traditional livelihoods. Meeting these criteria has paved the way for Vietnamese craft villages, including Bat Trang and Van Phuc, to join the Global Creative Craft Cities Network. An international judging panel conducted a survey and assessment visit to the Bat Trang and Van Phuc craft villages in October 2024, during which they highly valued the achievements by the villages and their artisans. Building on the success of Bat Trang and Van Phuc, Hanoi aims to have at least two more craft villages recognised by the WCC, as well as successfully host the council's annual conference in 2025. The WCC is a non-profit international organisation established in 1964 with the mission of promoting the preservation, promotion and advancement of global handicrafts and traditional craft industries. Six decades since its foundation, the council has recognised 68 world-class craft villages across 27 countries./.