The 2011 Italy-Vietnam project would act as a bridge to connect the two countries, creating better mutual understanding and relations between artists and people of the two nations.

Italian Ambassador Lorenzo Angeloni made the statement at a press briefing to introduce the project in Hanoi on April 14.

Themed “Italy-Vietnam Culture and Business”, the project includes 14 cultural activities which will take place in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City .

The project will help affirm the possible combination of culture and business, which is considered a special tool to promote both sectors, Ambassador Lorenzo said.

Vietnamese people will have a chance to enjoy a series of concerts with the performance of well known Italian artists, including female soprano Paola Stafficci, pianist Stefano Ragni, and young Jazz artist Francesco Cafiso.

The project will open with a performance from the world famous pianist Ludovico Einaudi for the first time in Vietnam , on April 24.

An auction of Vespa scooters decorated by students of Vietnam Fine Arts University will be held.

Ambassador Lorenzo said he believed the project would be successful, creating a firm premise to make it an annual event in Vietnam. /.