The Vietnam – Germany cultural festival Kulturfest 2020 opened in Hanoi on October 2, introducing Vietnamese people, German citizens and foreign tourists to distinctive cultural identities of both countries, especially the German culinary art. 

VOV leaders, German diplomats and UN officials raise a toast to
the fine development of Vietnam-Germany relations.

Addressing the event, Ngo Minh Hien, Vice President of the Voice of Vietnam (VOV), which co-hosted the event, stressed the festival is expected to promote the friendship and the long-term strategic partnership between Vietnam and Germany.

VOV, the leading national broadcaster, is ready to popularize cultural traditions and culinary arts of both countries to the public, said Hien.  

Ambassador Ngo Quang Xuan, President of the Vietnam Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, noted that Germany is Vietnam’s trade partner in Europe. Two-way trade between the two countries has since 2010 doubled, reaching over US$10 billion last year, an increase of 10% per year.

German beer is offered at the festival, a replica of
the Oktoberfest held annually in Germany.

Currently there are more than 100,000 Vietnamese students and guestworkers studying and working in Germany. In addition, more than 170,000 Vietnamese people of many generations are residing in Germany, making a positive contribution to local society.

They form an invaluable asset and become an indispensable catalyst for the diverse and unique development of bilateral relationship, Xuan said, adding that the enforcement of the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement in August 1, 2020 is expected to boost economic and trade ties between Vietnam and Germany, as well as the EU in general.

All the ingredients are imported from Germany and
they are cooked by five-star hotel chefs.

During the four-day festival, there will be many special activities to take place, including a Vietnam-Germany cultural exchange, a Vietnam - Germany economic cooperation conference, and a German culinary art show.

The festival is being co-hosted by The Voice of Vietnam, the Huong Sen Group and the Vietnam Association of Small and Medium Enterprises. It is to celebrate the 30th anniversary of German Reunification (October 3) and the 45th anniversary of the Vietnam – Germany diplomatic ties.