Vietnamese products such as handicrafts, lacquer paintings, jewelry, ceramics, coffee, banh mi and spring rolls are being sold at an international charity fair in Jakarta, Indonesia, VNA reported.

The event, the 54th edition of its kind, held by the Women’s International Club (WIC) in Jakarta from November 8-9, drew the participation of 40 embassies in Indonesia. More than 300 local businesses introduced their food and beverage products at the fair.

The WIC Bazaar boasts 29 food stalls from various regions of Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and European countries, from authentic Italian gelato to freshly-baked croissants– guests were guaranteed a culinary journey that will take their palate all over the world.

A highlight of this year’s bazaar was the WIC Merchandise shop, where visitors discovered one-of-a-kind items sourced from Uzbekistan during WIC’s recent trip, bringing a touch of the Central Asian allure to Jakarta.

The Opening Ceremony of Women’s International Club (WIC) Annual Charity Bazaar 2023 at Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) Hall B on 08 November 2023. Source: Embassy of Sri Lanka to Indonesia

The primary objective of the Annual Charity Bazaar is to raise funds for WIC's social welfare and scholarship activities, benefiting university students, women, and children less fortunate in the greater Jakarta area. With the proceeds from this event, WIC aims to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of those in need, empowering them to achieve their dreams and lead better lives.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Indonesian President’s wife Irina Joko Widodo said that the fair was a special occasion, demonstrating the rich diversity of cultures and the spirit of generosity that unites all people in the world as well as in the region. The fair also contributed to supporting disadvantaged people in Jakarta.

According to the organizers, with the proceeds from the fair, WIC aims to create meaningful and lasting impacts on the lives of impoverished people, helping them to achieve their dreams and have a better life.

The WIC 2023 features 40 embassy stalls, 225 local exhibitors, international F&B stalls, and a WIC white elephant stall. Source: Balai Sidang Jakarta Convention Center (official page)

Founded in 1950, the WIC is a non-profit social organization. With the motto "Friendship through understanding", the club has mainly focused on social charity activities.

In addition to providing scholarships to students, the WIC is currently sponsoring many local social organizations, including elderly care centers, orphanages, and schools for children with disabilities and special circumstances.

The Vietnam Embassy's booth displays handicraft products and traditional dishes at the fair. Photo: HP

The Vietnamese booth with traditional cuisine and unique handicraft products attracted special attention from customers visiting the fair.

Do Lan from the Vietnamese Women's Association in Jakarta told TG&VN newspaper that Vietnamese dishes such as spring rolls, fried spring rolls, banh mi, or fried dumplings receive special love from diners.

Lan shared that on just the first day of the event, the booth sold almost all of the products on display, not only receiving the love of Indonesian people but also international visitors to visit and buy products. In addition, visitors especially love Vietnamese food. Within just 2 or 3 hours of opening the stall, the four roll dishes, fried spring rolls, banh mi, and fried dumplings were sold out.

The Vietnamese booth at the 54th International Charity Fair held by the Women’s International Club. (WIC). Photo: VNA

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