22nd Francophone Day of Mekong Delta region opens in Can Tho

Individuals and organisations honoured for making contributions to French language related activities (Photo: VNA)  
The 22nd Francophone Day of the Mekong Delta opened in Can Tho on March 9 to boost cultural exchanges between Vietnam and France and strengthen the relations between the two countries.

The two-day event features various activities including a seminar on French-speaking jobs, an exhibition on traditional craft villages and tourism of localities in the Mekong Delta region, a presentation contest on local handicraft products, and others.

Vice Chairman of Can Tho city People’s Committee, Duong Tan Hien, said that the Mekong Delta Francophone Day is a traditional cultural activity which is held annually and alternately among provinces in the region.

It is an opportunity for the French-speaking community in the region to gather and participate in French language related activities, contributing to promoting the sound relations between Vietnam and France in the areas of culture and education, as well as celebrating the 49th anniversary of the International Francophonie Day, Hien noted.

Addressing the event, Consul General of France in Ho Chi Minh City Vincent Floreani spoke highly of the significance of the event.

He emphasised that France and Vietnam are active members of the Francophone community of 88 countries and territories. The French-speaking community in the Mekong Delta accounts for 20% of the total French-speaking students across Vietnam.

Vietnam currently has more than 8,000 high school students and 500 students attending French training courses at approximately 40 schools and universities, demonstrating the fine relations between Vietnam and France./.

NDO/Recorded by LAO