LÀO CAI — The autumn festival of Sa Pa ward in the northwestern province of Lào Cai opened on August 23 evening with an art programme celebrating the 12th conference on cooperation among Việt Nam's Lào Cai, Hà Nội, Hải Phòng, and Quảng Ninh, and China’s Yunnan province along the economic corridor.

The opening ceremony brought together officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Chinese Embassy in Việt Nam, the Vietnamese Consulate General in Kunming, China, and authorities from Yunnan province, as well as delegates from Hà Nội, Hải Phòng and Quảng Ninh. Representatives of associations, businesses, academies and universities were also present, alongside Lào Cai leaders and thousands of local residents and visitors.

In his opening remarks, Standing Vice Chairman of the Sa Pa People’s Committee Đặng Việt Dũng said the festival is one of the highlights of the four seasons festival series held in the Sa Pa national tourism area, promising a vibrant cultural space featuring a range of distinctive activities, including the first northwest brocade carnival and recreations of the highland market and Sa Pa love market.

This year’s autumn edition is being held in celebration of the 12th conference on cooperation among the five provinces and cities along the economic corridor. The event is of particular significance in strengthening their exchanges, connectivity and cooperation in investment, trade, tourism and culture. It also serves as a vivid demonstration of the spirit of collaboration, connectivity and shared development between the Vietnamese localities and Yunnan.

With the goal of turning Sa Pa into an internationally recognised resort tourism hub, comprehensive measures are implemented to develop local infrastructure, improve service quality, preserve cultural heritage and protect the environment. The ward aims to welcome more than 12 million visitors by 2030, gradually affirming its position as a leading destination in Việt Nam and the region. — VNA/VNS