Celebrating and preparing for the future of crafts is an economic necessity for many villagers Vietnam.

Bat Trang Pottery Village is very successful in attracting tourists.

A seminar titled “Hanoi traditional trade villages, potentials for development & tourism” was held yesterday in the capital city, which discussed the present situation and suggested solutions relating to developing trade and tourism in the local craft villages.

This is one of the key activities during Hanoi Craft Week 2010 which will last until the 9th of August at the Culture Palace, 91 Tran Hung Dao Street, Hanoi.

According to Dao Thu Vinh, Vice-Director of Hanoi’s Department of Industry and Trade, which is the main sponsor for the event, the main purpose of the seminar is to discuss how to combine handicraft production and stable tourism development in traditional craft villages around Hanoi.

“We have surveyed many craft villages around the capital and decided to start with Ha Thai Lacquer, Bat Trang Pottery, Chuon Ngo Mother of Pearl, Van Phuc Silk, Phu Vinh Rattan & Bamboo, all of which have the most potential right now.”

Vinh also revealed some of the present problems at these villages including pollution, lack of tourism knowledge in local communities, poor infrastructure, etc. He said they are trying to address them through such activities as training the craftsmen so that they can also act as a tour guide, building exhibition houses or upgrading roads to the villages.

The Craft Week also exhibits excellent craft products made by famous craftsmen from some of Hanoi’s trade villages and provides a view of materials, skills and meticulousness in handicraft production.

“These products are very beautiful and of high quality, said Felix Fernandez, a Spanish visitor who came to seek for a trade opportunity, “I think this is a helpful event for craftsmen, tourism companies as well as traders but we hope to see more stalls and have more information here next time.”