Italy-Vietnam: Hanoi celebrates 45 years diplomatic ties
Hanoi - Celebrations of the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Italy and Vietnam were launched in Hanoi with special concert "IBLA Vietnam Awards 2018" alongside the Vietnam-Italia Fashion Week, marking an important milestone between the two countries. The extensive program of events is organized by Italian Embassy in Hanoi to showcase at its best the richness of the Italian culture as well as the concrete outcomes of Italy-Vietnam fruitful partnerships, the Embassy said in its statement. The "IBLA Vietnam Awards 2018" feature 12 young and talented musicians from all over the world, all awarded within the renowned IBLA competition that takes place every year in Ragusa-Ibla. Musicians perform some of the most iconic pieces of Italian and European music with a special focus on Gioacchino Rossini. The program also comprises pieces by Cimarosa, Giuliani, Piazzolla, Schubert, Brahms, Chopin.
From March 17 to 19, the Italy-Vietnam Fashion Council, under the patronage of the Italian Embassy, will introduce to the Vietnamese public a special edition of the Vietnam Fashion Week: the Vietnam-Italia Fashion Week 2018, with the special participation of Italian designer Mr. Michele Gaudiomonte. On this occasion, the Fashion Week is launched with unique thematic exhibition: "Silk Weaving Process". Held at Casa Italia, this exhibition showcases the traditional silk manufacturing process directly and skillfully presented by Vietnamese artisans. The event aims to highlight the value of craft and culture in the fashion industry as well the relevance it has for both countries, stated Italian Embassy in Hanoi.
Themed "Sustainability", the fashion week is not only a kaleidoscope of fashion collections but also serves as a link to connect cultural values of both nations, making contributions to promoting the friendship and bilateral cooperative ties, said Vietnamese renown fashion designer Minh Hanh. According to the Italian Embassy, sustainability is the "golden thread" that the Embassy has chosen to link all the many events that mark the 45th anniversary between the two countries. Accordingly, the extensive calendar of activities will unfold with many other events in the upcoming months. In 2013, as a first, concrete result of such a cooperation the Italy-Vietnam Fashion Council was established and introduced to the public in Italy as well as in Vietnam by the two respective Embassies. Since then, the Council has organised diverse activities such as fashion shows, seminars, presentations all to the end of bridging the Italian and Vietnamese fashion worlds and of developing important synergies between the two.
Italy and Vietnam established diplomatic relations on 23rd March 1973. In recent years, bilateral relations have experienced steady intensification, especially since 2013, when, on the occasion of the celebrations for the 40th anniversary of bilateral relations, a strategic partnership agreement was signed in Rome, which has expanded the range of possibilities of Italy-Vietnam collaboration in all fields. Bilateral trade between Italy and Vietnam increased sharply from $1.13 billion in 2006 to $4.68 billion in 2016. The two countries aim to increase trade turnover to $6 billion in the 2017- 18 period. (AGI)