Vietnam acts as honourary guest at Kolkata book fair

New Delhi (VNA) – Vietnam is joining in the 40th International Kolkata Book Fair – one of the biggest of its kind in the world – in Kolkata, the capital city of India’s West Bengal state, as a honourary guest.

At the opening ceremony on January 25, Vietnamese Ambassador to India Ton Sinh Thanh said this is the first time Vietnam has attended the fair as a honourary guest.

He expressed his hope that his country’s participation will contribute to the event’s success and help tighten the friendship and cultural cooperation between the two countries.

Vietnam’s book pavilion at the fair displays more than 400 books in both Vietnamese and English. Many of them are about late President Ho Chi Minh, late General Vo Nguyen Giap, the country’s people and culture, and some literary works.

Signature Vietnamese handicrafts are also being exhibited there.

While Vietnamese painters will showcase the best of their artworks, singers and dancers from the People’s Police arts troupe will have a chance to popularise Vietnam’s image through their performances on January 28 – Vietnam Day at the event.

An exchange between Vietnamese author Ho Anh Thai with Indian writers and readers will be held on January 27.

The 40th International Kolkata Book Fair expects to attract millions of visitors and runs until February 7.-VNA