The Canada-Vietnam Society (CVS) hold a get-together in Toronto
on January 18 to celebrate Tet, Vietnam's traditional New Year.
(Photo: VNA)
The event featured a feast of Vietnamese traditional dishes, such as “banh chung”
(square sticky rice cake), “heo quay” (Vietnam’s crispy roast pork) and “che dau
xanh” (sweet green bean soup) as well as folk music performances, including lion
and “ao dai” (traditional gown) dances, helping relieve the expats’ homesick.
CVS Director Julie Nguyen said the celebration saw the presence of many
international guests, particularly from ASEAN and Latin American countries,
reflecting growing interest from foreign partners in Canada in cooperating with
Vietnam in trade, investment and education.
Vietnam and Canada see greater opportunities for stronger trade and cultural
exchanges, said Deputy Mayor of Toronto Denzil
Minnan-Wong, adding this Vietnamese New Year event provides a chance not only
for Vietnamese
expats and
businesses to meet but also for Toronto and Ho Chi Minh City to expand
partnership.
On the occasion, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sent a letter of
greetings to the Vietnamese communities in Canada, saying the holiday offers a
wonderful opportunity to recognise the tremendous contributions that Canadians
of Vietnamese origin have made to the country. He wished the Vietnamese all over
the world best luck and prosperity in the Year of Rat.
Last year, Vietnam remained Canada’s largest trade partner in Southeast Asia
with two-way trade estimated at about 5.98 billion USD. Canada is home to around
250,000 Vietnamese people.
Source: VNA