Vietnam will host an international boat racing competition where local sportspeople are expected to compete with hundreds of boat racers from around the world.

An agreement was signed in Hanoi on July 19 between the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Promatch Tour, the organiser of the world’s top-level professional boat racing circuit - World Match Racing Tour.

Vietnam is an ideal location to host large-scale events like the international regatta, Minister Hoang Tuan Anh said at the ceremony.

This would be a good opportunity for local sportspeople to practice and compete at a relatively new type of sea sports, Anh added. He also said the regatta is expected to bring in new opportunities for Vietnam to work with other foreign partners in organising great events, thus drawing more international tourists and investors to the country.

President of the WMRT organisaer Promatch Tour, Patrick Lim, said Vietnam has enormous potential for sea and island tourism awaiting efficient investment and exploitation.

The international regatta will help promote the image of Vietnam, a peaceful and friendly country that is capable of hosting great sports and tourism events for international travellers./.