HCM CITY (VNS)— The HCM City Department of Tourism and the Handicrafts and Wood Industry Association of HCM City have instituted a handicrafts and gifts design contest in which the theme is the city's distinctive features.

The first Hoa Sen Contest is aimed at meeting local and foreign visitors' demand for typical souvenirs, identify talented souvenir designers, raise awareness about the role of design in the handicrafts industry, and link up manufactures and designers.

Open to all Vietnamese and foreigners, the contest requires designs – in wood, bamboo, rattan, hyacinth, plastic, composite paper, or lacquer – to be submitted by August 25.

The organisers will give away awards to the winners at a ceremony in September. — VNS