QUANG NINH (VNS)  — The Japanese cherry blossom festival will be held annually from now on in the northern province of Quang Ninh after its successful debut last year, said a local official.

The move aims to promote friendship between Quang Ninh and Japan, and through that to improve investment opportunities for Japanese businesses, said vice chairman of provincial People's Committee Dang Huy Hau.

This year the festival will be held in mid-March. The scale of this event will be expanded, with more than 120 cherry blossom trees and about 20 to 30 stalls presenting and promoting bilateral tourism, cuisines and souvenirs of Viet Nam and Japan.

In the opening ceremony, the people of Ha Long and visitors will enjoy traditional cultural and art performances from the two countries.

The first cherry blossom festival was organised last April, with more than 100 cherry blossom trees being planted at the Bai Chay tourist site of Ha Long City and Yen Tu of Uong Bi City. — VNS