The two-day event is part of activities to celebrating the 35^th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Addressing the ceremony, Senator Matsuda Iwao, head of the organising board of the festival, highlighted friendship and cooperative relations between the two countries over the past 35 years. He expressed his hope that Japanese people will learn more about Vietnam through the festival.

On behalf of the Vietnamese Party, State and people, Ho Duc Viet, politburo member of the Party Central Committee (PCC) and chairman of the Vietnam-Japan Parliamentarians' Friendship League reviewed the diplomatic achievements recorded by both countries and thanked the Japanese government and people for providing effective support and assistance to Vietnam over the past 20 years of the renewal process.

Mr Viet emphasised that the success of the festival will make a practical contribution to celebrating the 35th anniversary of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic ties and strengthening bilateral friendship and cooperation towards a strategic partnership.

Visitors also had a chance to enjoy musical performances, fashion shows and traditional dishes from both countries in 200 stands at the festival.

Earlier on the evening of September 19, despite the light rain, many Japanese officials and visitors gathered at the park to welcome the Vietnam Festival ’08.

The gala night started with traditional art performances by Vietnamese artists and fashion shows honouring the beauty of Ao Dai (the traditional Vietnamese long dress).

Notably, the instrumental pieces presented by children from Nguyen Dinh Chieu Blind School left a good impression on the audience.

Dozens of Vietnamese stands opened doors to visitors, introducing the country’s tourism potential and its distinctive cultural identity. Stands selling specialities such as Pho (noodle), Nem (spring rolls), sticky rice with meat pie, Saigon bread and Beer 333 were crowded with Japanese visitors.

As part of the festival, a Vietnam-Japan business forum was held on September 19, attracting 300 entrepreneurs from the two countries. They shared experiences and sought long-term links to promote economic and investment cooperation between the two countries.

The festival is expected to attract 300,000 Japanese visitors.