Bat Trang Deserves to Become a Member of the Global Network of Creative Craft Cities

The delegation met with leaders of Bat Trang Village and Commune

In the context of Hanoi implementing a project to preserve and develop craft villages, Bat Trang has emerged as a symbol of the capital’s strengths. With 1,350 craft and artisan villages, Hanoi accounts for 56% of the total craft villages nationwide, encompassing 47 out of 52 traditional crafts. This solid foundation supports the development of cultural industries in the current era.

The council noted that Bat Trang not only meets all the criteria of a traditional craft village but also deserves to join the global network of Creative Craft Cities. Mr. Aziz Murtazaev, Chairman of the World Craft Council for the Asia-Pacific region, expressed his amazement at Bat Trang’s beauty and value: “Bat Trang is fantastic. It surpasses our imagination.”

 The delegation visit the ancient village and old Bat Trang houses

During the two-day visit, the delegation met with leaders of Bat Trang Village and Commune, visited the ancient village and old Bat Trang houses, and engaged with artisans and skilled pottery craftsmen. They also toured the pottery street, exhibition rooms, Bat Trang Museum, and met with small and medium enterprises and international cooperation projects in Bat Trang. The council members included Mr. Aziz Murtazaev, Dr. Sitthichai Smanchat, Vice Chairman of the Southeast Asia Craft Council, and Ms. Nadia Meer, Vice President of the World Craft Council for Africa.

After hands-on experiences, the international council highly valued Bat Trang’s unique cultural, historical, economic, and social impact. The council believes Bat Trang not only embodies the criteria of a traditional craft village but also merits inclusion in the Global Network of Creative Craft Cities.

The delegation tour the pottery street, exhibition rooms, Bat Trang Museum

Expressing surprise at Bat Trang’s beauty and cultural value, Mr. Aziz Murtazaev shared that he plans to introduce Bat Trang products and its talented artisans to countries worldwide to promote traditional cultural values. This effort not only supports the preservation and development of Bat Trang pottery but also highlights the village’s position on the global craft stage.

Beyond Bat Trang, the International Council and the World Craft Council will also survey other craft villages, such as Van Phuc (Ha Dong), Chuong conical hat village (Phuong Trung Commune, Thanh Oai District), Phu Vinh rattan and bamboo village (Phu Nghia Commune, Chuong My District), and Son Dong wood carving village (Son Dong Commune, Hoai Duc District).