(HBO) – The 2023 mountainous market fair in Hoa Binh province with the theme "Market fair – the beauty of the mountainous region” opened at Mai Chau district Stadium on October 3. Nguyen Thi Cam Phuong, Vice Chairwoman of the provincial People's Council, Nguyen Van Toan and Nguyen Van Chuong, Vice Chairmen of the provincial People's Committee attended the event along with leaders of departments, agencies, districts and cities well as local residents and tourists.
Leaders of the provincial People's Council, People's Committee and departments and agencies of Mai Chau district cut the ribbons to open the 2023 mountainous market fair in Hoa Binh province.
In his opening remarks, Nguyen Van Chuong, Vice Chairman of the provincial People's Committee, head of the event’s organising board, said the market is an indispensable traditional cultural activity in local residents' life.
The market is not only a place to sell and exchange local products, but also a rendezvous among ethnic groups, a place where spiritual values and unique cultural beauty of each region converge, he said, adding that it helps preserve and spread good traditional cultural values in terms of customs, cuisine, costumes, unique cultural activities and folk games of ethnic minorities in Hoa Binh province.
The market, which lasts until October 7, aims to strengthen trade and tourism promotion activities, introducing products of one commune one product (OCOP) programme and other typical agricultural produce of the province, Chuong said.
It is also a place for businesses, cooperatives and people to meet, exchange, buy and sell goods as well as seek partners, expand business activities and consumption markets, actively contributing to promoting sustainable socio-economic development, he went on.
The market comprises 10 areas, including a stage; a space for booths introducing OCOP (one commune one product) agricultural products and typical commodities of the province; another of the Centre for Investment, Trade and Tourism Promotion introducing local potential and strengths, booths of Tan Lac, Cao Phong, Lac Son and Mai Chau districts; a culinary area; rural market; an outdoor playing space; and a commercial booth area and a number of other auxiliary areas.
At the market fair, there are brocade weaving demonstrations, traditional folk games such as nhay sap (dancing with bamboo poles), cultural exchanges and art performances.
The products displayed and sold at the mountainous market are typical goods of the locality that meet requirements in terms of quality, design, food safety and origin.
Maximizing local potential and advantages, Yen Tri commune in Yen Thuy district is actively promoting the cultivation of medicinal herbs and turning medicinal herbs into One Commune - One Product (OCOP) products.
Situated at the gateway to the Northwest, Hoa Binh province has a population of over 900,000, including about 540,000 of working age. It is home to 6,000 businesses and production facilities, providing employment for over 100,000 workers. The remaining workforce is engaged in informal jobs, works in enterprises outside the province, or contributes to agro-forestry-fisheries. Additionally, around 3,000 workers are employed abroad.
The Hoa Binh provincial People's Committee has issued Decision No. 2767/QD-UBND announcing the rankings of departments, agencies, districts and Hoa Binh city in the Public Administration Reform Index (PAR) and the Satisfaction Index of Public Administration Services (SIPAS) in 2024.
The cultivation of Dam Xanh fish (Bangana lemassoni), a unique fish species, has seen remarkable growth in Mai Chau district, thanks to its high economic value and effectiveness. Initially concentrated in Van Mai commune, farming has now extended to four other communes, namely Mai Hich, Mai Ha, Chieng Chau, and Son Thuy. These areas benefit from pristine underground water flowing from mountain crevices, providing ideal conditions for raising this specialty fish.
In 2024, the total state budget revenue of Hoa Binh Province is estimated at approximately VND 6,930 billion, achieving 183% of the Government’s target, 126% of the target assigned by the Provincial People's Council, and 145% compared to the same period last year.
In 2024, Hoa Binh province has shown signs of improvement in attracting investment and developing enterprises.
