The annual contest aims to encourage individuals and organisations in the capital city to promote creative ideas in designing handicraft products, thus creating new products with higher quality that can meet the customers’ increasing demand.

Launched in March, this year’s event attracted as many as 423 products/sets of products by 183 organisations, individuals, and artisans.

The products are divided into six groups: ceramics, lacquer, bamboo and rattan weaving, mother-of-pearl inlay – wood carving, embroidery, and silk making.

The organising board selected 90 outstanding entries to award six first, 18 second, 24 third, and 42 consolation prizes in six categories.

Speaking at the event, Hoang Minh Lam, Director of the Hanoi Industrial Promotion and Development Consultancy Centre, hailed the contest as a practical solution to encourage the movement of creating new handicraft products, support businesses to diversify their product designs, and improve their competitiveness in international economic integration.

It also provides a venue for participants to exchange experiences, promote their products, and expand their market, he added.