HCMC – The Namaste Vietnam Festival 2024, now in its third edition, began on August 25 in HCMC, marking the start of a seven-day event aimed at enhancing cultural and economic ties between India and Vietnam.
The event – which is being jointly organized by the Indian Consulate General in HCMC, the HCMC Union of Friendship Organizations, and the Vietnam-India Friendship Association in HCMC – has already attracted over 700 festival-goers.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Indian Consul General Madan Mohan Sethi underscored the significance of the festival in fostering bilateral cooperation. “In the past four years, more than 2,000 Indian companies from over 30 business associations have visited Vietnam. Indian companies are also actively participating in international exhibitions in HCMC, which is driving investment decisions,” Sethi said.
A highlight of this year’s festival is the collaboration in producing the film Love in Vietnam, which portrays the love story between an Indian actor and a Vietnamese actress. The film features scenes shot in various locations in Vietnam, including Dalat, Danang and Quang Nam.
Huynh Thanh Lap, chairman of the Vietnam-India Friendship Association in HCMC, said, “HCMC is a frequent choice for India to host its cultural festivals. The Namaste Vietnam festival has become familiar to the city’s residents. These events help enhance public understanding in Vietnam about Indian culture, people, and the country itself.”
This year’s Namaste Vietnam Festival, which runs from August 25-31, begins with a series of cultural exchanges and multi-disciplinary seminars in HCMC, before moving on to the cities of Nha Trang and Dalat.
