Namaste Vietnam 2023 Festival commences

Namaste Vietnam Festival returns with many activities to promote trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges between Vietnam and India.

The annual festival is co-hosted by the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City, the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations (HUFO), and the Vietnam-India Friendship Association (VIFA).

The opening ceremony took place at Hoa Binh Theater in District 10, Ho Chi Minh City on Saturday and was attended by business leaders, experts, celebrities, and people from both Vietnam and India.

Participants interacted with leading artists from India, including Avika Gor from the popular Indian TV series Balika Vadhu, legendary actor and filmmaker Anupam Kher, and pop star Alisha Chinoi.

The audience also enjoyed traditional Indian performances such as Kuchipudi and Qwali dances, as well as a Vietnam-India fashion show.

In his opening remarks, Madan Moha Sethi, Consul General of India in Ho Chi Minh City, stated that both India and Vietnam are in the development stage and have large young populations eager for better work and life.

He also expressed his expectation that the relationship between the two countries will strengthen over time.

Meanwhile, Ho Xuan Lam, standing vice-president of HUFO, emphasized that the festival brings the Indian identity to the people of Ho Chi Minh City.

“This is also an opportunity to help India promote its strengths through trade, tourism, and culture promotion activities, along with business discussions on cooperation in railway construction,” Lam stated.

“From there, Indian businesses may connect and find suitable partners in Ho Chi Minh City.”

The Namaste Vietnam 2023 Festival takes place from August 12 to 15 in Ho Chi Minh City, Da Lat, Tuy Hoa, and Hanoi.

The highlight of the festival is the Indian Film Festival, which will feature the world premiere of two major Indian films as well as the screening of five other hit pictures.

The Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City will also organize three seminars on Vietnam-India cooperation in tourism, railways, and cinema.

Namaste Vietnam 2023 Festival schedule

- August 12 evening: Opening ceremony at Hoa Binh Theater

- August 13 to 15: Film Festival at Galaxy Nguyen Du Cinema

- August 14 (whole day): Series of seminars on Vietnam - India cooperation at Rex Hotel

- August 14 evening: India Night - Connecting event at Sofitel hotel

- August 16 to 17: activities in Da Lat, Tuy Hoa.

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