Messages from President Vo Van Thuong on the development of craft villages

The Vietnam Agriculture Newspaper wishes to share the President's speech and his messages conveyed at the Festival for the Preservation and Advancement of Vietnamese Craft Villages 2023.

"I am delighted, together with the central agency leaders, to meet 102 accomplished artisans and workers in the diverse field of handicrafts nationwide, recognized within the Festival for Preserving and Developing Vietnamese Craft Villages. They represent a collective of 2,000 artisans, skilled workers, and 3 million laborers in rural industries nationwide.

On behalf of the Party and State leaders, I convey my admiration for the artistic contributions of these skilled artisans and workers. I wish them continued good health and further success in their endeavors.

My engagements in various domestic and international affairs have revealed one undeniable truth: handicrafts and fine arts embody delicate gifts, rich in our national cultural identity. They are esteemed by guests and customers alike. These offerings are frequently exchanged among leaders.

It appears that as society advances and modernizes, we increasingly value products crafted from natural, eco-friendly materials, each bearing the mark of personal creativity. This is particularly exceptional. Skilled artisans and craftsmen, through the refinement of their hands, transform familiar, everyday materials into unique artistic products that convey emotional narratives, reflecting the beauty found in the work and lives of the Vietnamese people.

Each creation by these artisans encapsulates life, destiny, and a profound cultural vibrancy, exuding the joys and passions of existence. I am elated to witness the remarkable development in industries and craft villages over the years, providing income and employment to rural workers, including the elderly and disabled, while significantly contributing to preserving and upholding the traditional cultural values of the Vietnamese people.

In recent times, handicrafts have secured a position among the top 10 product categories with the highest export value in Vietnam, reaching over 160 countries and territories. This accounts for nearly 10% of the global supply in this sector. Craft villages serve not only as hubs for livelihood activities and local development but also as custodians preserving the historical and cultural heritage of each region. Many craft villages have evolved into distinctive tourist attractions, drawing visitors. Leaders consistently regard these villages as an essential component of crucial state foreign affairs programs.

Attributing these great achievements primarily to the toil and dedication of workers, artisans, skilled laborers, and the people in craft villages nationwide, I value the accomplishments and contributions of these artisans. They are the living treasures of their localities and the nation.

The talented artisans and workers present here each possess remarkable skills in their respective fields. We share a common trait: a passion for work, creativity, skilled hands, and the essence of an artist. I understand that becoming an artisan is not an overnight endeavor; it demands perseverance and dedication through the various trials and tribulations experienced in the profession.

As recounted by Ms. Thuan (artist Phan Thi Thuan from Phung Xa commune, My Duc district, Hanoi), who shared an inspiring story of using silkworms in place of weavers to create distinct products—each unique and potentially a global trend. Amidst the current economic landscape, while export markets contract and production decreases in various regions, the handicraft industry faces numerous challenges. Nevertheless, driven by passion and devotion to their craft, artisans strive to overcome these obstacles.

Throughout the country's developmental history, from the era of innovation to the present day, craft villages have not always enjoyed favorable conditions. Initially, people favored industrial goods and mass production. As households became saturated with mass-produced items, a preference for unique products emerged. Without perseverance, one cannot prevail, risking the loss of their profession.

On behalf of the Party and State leaders, I commend once more the achievements, dedication, and contributions of talented artisans and workers in the field of handicrafts. Their efforts have significantly contributed to the socio-economic progress of each locality, the nation, and the preservation and promotion of our national culture. Here, I'd like to share a few ideas with all the artisans and workers.

Firstly, if we acknowledge that the development of handicrafts and fine arts aligns with our cultural heritage and possesses substantial potential, we must establish policy mechanisms to further this field. Suggestions such as instituting Vietnam Craft Village Day, crafting policies to support artisans, fostering innovation in crafts, integrating craft villages with tourism, and establishing criteria for recognizing artisans should be carefully considered.

It's crucial to recognize the challenges faced by state management agencies. An over-simplistic approach with an excessive number of artisans might devalue their contributions, detracting from their status as living treasures of the craft village. On the contrary, if machinery entirely replaces human craftsmanship, we risk losing many talented artisans. Thus, mechanisms for vocational training and support for branding and marketing are legitimate requisites.

Marketing, branding, investment, and promotional efforts need to collaborate to support and bolster craft villages. Presently, the Government has assigned the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to lead this charge. However, for instance, if Bat Trang and Chu Dau fail to innovate, their offerings may become monotonous. The crucial question revolves around introducing new products consistently.

Secondly, handicrafts have been identified among Vietnam's 12 key cultural industries to receive prioritized development. With handicrafts, the unique identity, and high cultural, and artistic essence are pivotal for their survival and growth. Without cultural or artistic value, the sale of such products becomes challenging.

Handicrafts must exhibit beauty and intricacy while also being durable and possessing both utilitarian and decorative value. Each piece should narrate a life story, evoking various emotions. If every handicraft product appears the same, and lacks quality, durability, beauty, or intricacy, it cannot compete with industrial goods. Regardless of the allure of "handmade" products, if they lack high value, they fail to captivate consumers.

I am meticulous when selecting gifts for heads of state. The chosen gift should be distinctly Vietnamese and align with the recipient's preferences. By promoting our brand through these gifts, the President's selection of handicrafts plays a significant role. Our primary objective should be creating products that are durable, beautiful, intricate, valuable, and decorative, each telling its own unique story.

We aspire that dedicated artisans persist in refining their products, embedding national culture within each handicraft item. Even as technology continues to support us, the essence of craftsmanship remains rooted in the talent, creativity, and individual skills of each artisan.

We wish for artisans to lead improved lives, fostering a sense of serenity to explore new products of artistic and economic value, ultimately enhancing the lives of artisans, skilled workers, and those around them, leading to greater prosperity and happiness.

Thirdly, beyond preserving and advancing vocational skills, and creating new products, a critical concern is nurturing and cultivating the next generation, passing on these crafts seamlessly. Failure to do so means, according to the natural passage of time, artisans will not endure.

Ensuring that each artisan mentors future practitioners is essential. Currently, the nation has 184 state-level artisans and 1,322 skilled workers, which remains relatively small. I hope that the relevant ministries and branches, according to their roles, will endeavor to create conducive conditions for consideration and acknowledgment, improving the lives of craft village workers. This should allow them to work peacefully and creatively, contributing products of artistic value, thereby enabling a more prosperous and contented life.

Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts and ideas. I believe these considerations and efforts will further the preservation and development of Vietnamese craft villages and the artisans who are the custodians of our cultural heritage."