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The 2024 International Food Festival is expected to take place in Hanoi. Could you please tell us about the scale and scope of this event?

The 2024 International Food Festival, one of the most anticipated annual events celebrating cultural and culinary exchange, is set to take place in Hanoi. This vibrant festival has garnered growing participation from embassies, foreign cultural centers, provincial Departments of Foreign Affairs, enterprises, and various units of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

2024 International Food Festival: Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and delegates attending the 2023 International Food Festival. (Photo: Tuan Viet)

The festival, organized by the Service Department for Diplomatic Corps in collaboration with the Directorate of State Protocol, the Press and Information Department, the World and Vietnam Report, and other units of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, took place over two days, December 7-8th, at the Diplomatic Corps area at 298 Kim Ma, Van Phuc, Ba Dinh, Hanoi.

With the theme "Gastronomy of Unity - Culinary Connections", the 2024 festival will feature around 45 foreign embassies and international organizations, 18 localities, Southern Vietnam culinary showcases, and over 125 booths hosted by various units, including those within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

I can confirm that the 2024 International Food Festival is the largest and most significant edition since its inception. It celebrates the finest flavors from around the world but also affirm the connecting power of cuisine. The event also provides a unique opportunity for visitors to explore and savor culinary delights closely tied to the cultures of participating countries.

After 10 years of official organization and one online organization, as an annual international cultural and culinary exchange event, please shared the new and different points of this year compared to previous organizations?

Over the past decade, the scale, significance, and influence of the International Food Festival have grown steadily, making it a key cultural, culinary, and charitable event. The festival has garnered enthusiastic participation from embassies, foreign cultural centers, provincial Departments of Foreign Affairs, businesses, and units within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Unlike previous years, the 2024 International Food Festival is not just a showcase of Vietnam's signature dishes or the culinary highlights of the 10 ASEAN countries. This year’s edition will offer a unique gastronomic journey featuring contributions from approximately 40 countries and territories, 18 localities, and diverse regional cuisines.

The festival promises a spectacular display of meticulously prepared dishes, lively activities such as a Beer Festival, sponsor-hosted games with prizes, and numerous unique experiences including a "Food Passport," "One Plate Cuisine," and "Five-Continent Kitchen."

Another highlight this year is the expanded focus on showcasing not only international culinary specialties but also regional Vietnamese cuisines from the North, Central, and South. Signature dishes such as Nam Dinh pho, traditional spring rolls, Hanoi-style pho rolls and fried pho, three-region Vietnamese bread, and iconic spices will take center stage, providing visitors with a rich and diverse culinary experience.

The 2024 International Food Festival promises to elevate its standing as a must-attend cultural and culinary event, offering a unique blend of tradition, innovation, and global flair.

International Food Festival: Vu Thi Bich Ngoc, Spouse of Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son at the 10th International Food Festival. (Photo: Tuan Anh)

As an event deeply connected to humanitarian charity work, what specific contributions has the Festival made in recent years, and what charity activities are planned for this year?

The International Food Festival is not only a celebration of culture and cuisine but also an opportunity for organizers, international friends, officials, civil servants, and employees from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and provincial Departments of Foreign Affairs to extend care and support to those in need through nationwide charitable programs.

All donations collected from the generosity of participating units, organizations, and individuals across the 11 previous editions of the festival have been distributed to support people with disabilities, orphans, impoverished women, and those in particularly difficult circumstances throughout the country, with a special focus on the mountainous northern provinces.

Over the years, the Organizing Committee has used funds raised to build Binh Thuan Kindergarten in Binh Thuan Commune, Yen Bai Province, support the construction of bridges in Long An Province, provide charitable aid to the Ethnic Boarding School and Ma Le Primary School in Dong Van District, Ha Giang Province, contribute to Vinh Phuc Secondary School and Ha Cau Orphanage Center in Ha Dong, build classrooms at Thanh Xa High School in Phu Tho Province, and construct bridges in Ben Tre Province. Additionally, many charitable programs have been implemented in remote and disadvantaged areas across the country.

This year, continuing the spirit of solidarity and support from previous festivals, the Organizing Committee plans to call on benefactors to contribute donations to support centers, schools, and hospitals in five provinces and cities nationwide. Contributions will also be directed to the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee to support the nationwide campaign, led by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, to eliminate temporary and dilapidated housing by 2025.

Could you share with us the future orientation for organizing the International Food Festival?

As mentioned above, the scale, scope and influence of the International Food Festival have surpassed what can be accommodated at the Diplomatic Corps Area, No. 298 Kim Ma, Van Phuc. This is due to the growing demand and enthusiasm of international participants, localities, and businesses.

In response to the needs and aspirations of our partners and attendees, and to ensure a safe and successful event, we are exploring larger venues and expanding the event format. This will allow us to further showcase diverse cuisines while promoting cultural exchange, tourism, and cooperation.

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