Vietnamese Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Hoang Tuan Anh, Vietnamese Ambassador Doan Manh Giao and Deputy Head of the China National Tourism Administration ,Du Ri Li, along with more than 200 representatives from offices, organisation and enterprises from China and Vietnam attended the event.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Minister Anh said that the event is of special significance as it is being held on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day (September 2), the Vietnam - China Friendship Year, and 60th anniversary of Vietnam-China diplomatic ties.

2010 is an important year for Vietnam as the country will celebrate the 1,000th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi as well as assuming the chairmanship of ASEAN. The country wishes to work with all neighbouring countries and other partners for peace, stability, cooperation and development in Asia and the world, he said.

For his part, Du Ri Li spoke highly of Vietnam’s contributions to the Shanghai Expo. He said Vietnam and China are creating new opportunities after 60 years of diplomatic ties, adding that cooperation in politics, economics, science, technology and culture is developing fruitfully thanks to the special attention from the leaders of both countries.

During the event, Vietnamese artists staged a special performance highlighting the country’s traditional culture. Nearly 300 Vietnamese and Chinese enterprises also attended a forum on investment cooperation held jointly by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Shanghai Trade Promotion Committee.

( Source: VNA)