Monday, July 7, 2025
Vietnam and Mexico are invoking centuries-old cultural analogies—a foundation based on artisan tradition, traditional craftsmanship, and shared colonial traditions—to forge a new path towards increased economic collaboration and greater tourism expansion. By placing emphasis on these cultural interconnections at the grassroots level, the two countries are themselves establishing intercity relationships between cities, craftsmen, and tourism bureaux. This policy functions as much to stimulate appreciation as it assists in the creation of employment, cultural preservation, and sustainable development through artisan mobility, shared participation in common trade fairs, and destination promotional collaboration.
From July 4 to 6, 2025, a Vietnamese diplomatic delegation carried out a working visit to Taxco de Alarcón, a historic city in Mexico’s Guerrero state. The mission aimed to establish and deepen partnerships between local governments in both countries, focusing on trade, tourism, and cultural cooperation. The visit marked a new phase in grassroots diplomacy, centered on mutual heritage and shared values.
Celebrating Handicraft Traditions with Economic Potential
During discussions with local officials, the Vietnamese side praised Taxco’s identity as a hub of silver craftsmanship. The city’s artisanal tradition, rooted in centuries of metalworking, stands as a cornerstone of its cultural and economic profile. Recognizing this, the Vietnamese delegation highlighted their own country’s deep legacy in traditional handicrafts, particularly in precious metal and jewelry-making villages.
To translate shared values into action, Vietnam proposed launching a series of practical collaborations. These included joint artisan workshops, reciprocal training programs, cultural exhibitions, and collaborative trade fairs. Vietnamese representatives stressed that combining both countries’ expertise in handcrafted goods could unlock significant opportunities in creative industries and international markets.
The delegation emphasized the value of creating co-branded artisanal products, promoting cultural heritage through e-commerce, and encouraging bilateral trade in ethically sourced silver and handcrafted jewelry. By aligning artisan traditions with commercial viability, both sides could create economic resilience while preserving cultural identity.
Advancing Heritage-Based Tourism Between Two Cultures
The Vietnamese representatives explored similarities between Taxco and heritage destinations in Vietnam such as Hoi An, Hue, and Ninh Binh. Each of these locations blends architectural charm with historical depth and has leveraged cultural tourism to drive local development.
Vietnam encouraged Taxco to partner on projects related to heritage preservation, sustainable tourism practices, and community-based experiences. Delegates proposed launching joint research initiatives on managing tourism in historic towns, organizing cultural exchange tours, and developing sustainable visitor strategies that balance economic benefits with preservation goals.
The delegation also called for regular dialogue between municipal governments, with a focus on sharing best practices in tourism planning, urban heritage management, and creative storytelling for global audiences. A permanent communication channel between Taxco’s administration and the Vietnamese Embassy was recommended to ensure coordination and sustained progress.
Strengthening Cooperation in Culture, Education, and Innovation
Beyond tourism and crafts, the Vietnamese side expressed interest in developing programs in education and cultural diplomacy. Areas of focus included student exchange initiatives, language learning opportunities, curriculum partnerships, and arts-based learning.
Officials noted that education can serve as a powerful bridge between cultures. Programs that expose young people to each other’s history, language, and values can deepen understanding and inspire long-term collaboration.
Vietnam proposed that both countries co-develop workshops in cultural entrepreneurship, promote regional talent exchanges in visual arts and performing arts, and partner on digital heritage preservation. These initiatives would support creative economies while empowering future generations.
City officials responded with enthusiasm, viewing the visit as a strategic step toward building real and lasting cooperation with Vietnam. In a gesture of goodwill, the city council awarded a symbolic token of appreciation to the visiting delegation, acknowledging the importance of the partnership.
Seminar on Vietnam’s Development Draws Local Interest
As part of the program, a public seminar titled “Vietnam Towards a New Era of Development” took place at a local academic center in Taxco. The event attracted a diverse group of participants, including educators, entrepreneurs, writers, and journalists from across Guerrero state.
Vietnam’s representatives used the platform to introduce the country’s rapid development journey and strategic location within Southeast Asia. They explained how economic reforms launched in the 1980s had enabled Vietnam to become one of the region’s fastest-growing economies, with an average annual GDP growth rate nearing seven percent.
In 2024 alone, Vietnam drew nearly forty billion USD in foreign direct investment, solidifying its role as a manufacturing and logistics hub in the global supply chain. It now ranks among the top twenty global economies in terms of international trade.
Vietnam encouraged Mexican entrepreneurs and business leaders to view it as a gateway to broader Asian markets. The country offers a stable investment climate, diversified industries, and strong infrastructure connecting it to other high-growth economies in the region.
Showcasing Vietnamese Culture Through Food and Photography
To complement the seminar, the Vietnamese delegation organized a cultural showcase that included a curated photo exhibition and a culinary tasting event. The photo display presented scenes of Vietnamese life, landscapes, architecture, and local customs—offering a visual journey through the country’s diverse regions.
Meanwhile, the culinary space gave attendees a chance to sample authentic Vietnamese cuisine, reflecting the country’s vibrant food heritage and hospitality. Dishes were prepared with a focus on traditional ingredients, and the event became a lively gathering of cultural exploration and conversation.
This multi-sensory experience helped build an emotional connection between the two cultures, generating greater interest in travel, cultural exchange, and collaboration.
Marking Five Decades of Diplomatic Relations
The visit coincided with the fiftieth anniversary of formal diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Mexico. Officials on both sides recognized this milestone as more than symbolic—it represented five decades of mutual respect, shared values, and collaborative spirit.
The Vietnamese side emphasized that grassroots diplomacy can bring new momentum to long-standing partnerships. By engaging local communities, businesses, educators, and artists, both countries can build meaningful connections that go beyond high-level talks.
A Path Forward for Local-to-Local Cooperation
The Taxco visit reaffirmed the importance of fostering people-to-people ties as a foundation for sustainable diplomacy. By leveraging cultural heritage, artisanal expertise, and tourism potential, Vietnam and Mexico are setting an example of how distant nations can find common ground through shared identity and creativity.
Vietnam and Mexico are leveraging their shared cultural traditions—such as artisanal crafts and colonial heritage—to boost local economies and deepen tourism ties through artisan exchanges, trade fairs, and city partnerships. This cultural collaboration aims to foster sustainable growth while strengthening bilateral tourism development.
Both countries look forward to turning today’s conversations into actual projects that benefit communities and build deeper cultural understanding. Today’s visit laid the foundation for a new era in grassroots cooperation—rooted in tradition, powered by innovation, and motivated by a shared vision of prosperity.
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