Preserving Tradition, Reaching New Markets

According to Nguyen Thi Thuy Huong, Vice Chairwoman of the People’s Committee of Chuyen My commune in Hanoi, the traditional lacquer and mother-of-pearl inlay craft can reach global markets while preserving its cultural roots.

The craft has long been an important part of Chuyen My’s economic and cultural life. Since joining the World Crafts Cities Network, the commune has been seeking new ways to strengthen the craft sector and expand its international reach.

Finished lacquerware products in Boi Khe Village. Photo: Khanh Long/VNP

In an interview with Vietnam Pictorial, Huong spoke about efforts to preserve the craft and create new opportunities for its development.

Nguyen Thi Thuy Huong, Vice Chairwoman of the Chuyen My People’s Committee, discusses the development of the traditional lacquer and mother-of-pearl inlay craft after Chuyen My joined the World Crafts Cities Network. Photo: Khanh Long/VNP 

VNP: What role does the lacquer and mother-of-pearl inlay craft play in Chuyen My’s economic, cultural and social life?

Nguyen Thi Thuy Huong: Lacquer and mother-of-pearl inlay is a distinctive traditional craft with a long history in Chuyen My. It provides jobs and income for local people and remains an important part of community life.

More than 1,000 households are engaged in the craft, which accounts for about 55% of the commune’s total income. It is therefore a major source of livelihoods and an important driver of local economic development.

Experienced artisans in Chuyen My work to preserve the traditional lacquer and mother-of-pearl inlay craft passed down through generations. Photo: Khanh Long/VNP

Technology is being applied to traditional craft production to improve product quality. Photo: Khanh Long/VNP

VNP: Chuyen My’s lacquer and mother-of-pearl inlay craft is one of four craft villages in Hanoi to join the World Crafts Cities Network. What opportunities does this bring?

Nguyen Thi Thuy Huong: Joining the network is a source of pride for the commune and its artisans. It has also broadened their outlook and strengthened connections within the craft community.

More foreign visitors are coming to explore the village, creating opportunities to promote Chuyen My and its handicrafts to international audiences.

Through the World Crafts Council, we can connect local products with the global crafts network and explore overseas markets.

Some Chuyen My mother-of-pearl inlay products are purchased as decorative gifts. Photo: Khanh Long/VNP

 

VNP: What does joining the network mean for digital transformation?

Nguyen Thi Thuy Huong: Digital transformation is an important part of our development plans, especially in linking craft production with experiential tourism.

We are putting local craft villages on digital maps and developing digital passports for products. Each passport will provide information about the village, artisan, product story, production process, origin and completion time.

This helps visitors better understand the people and skills behind each piece while increasing the value of the products.

We are also developing an “A Day as an Artisan” program, allowing visitors to experience the craft firsthand, make their own products and buy small pieces as souvenirs.

The commune has launched a 100-day digital transformation plan under the slogan “Chuyen My, One Stop in 100 Days.” It aims to create a single destination where visitors can learn about and experience the development of the commune’s craft villages.

Livestreaming is another part of the effort. Commune leaders will host at least one livestream each week to help local households promote and sell their products. Many families also sell their products online in the evenings.

VNP: How is Chuyen My balancing preservation with product innovation and development?

Nguyen Thi Thuy Huong: Preservation remains our top priority. We must build on the skills and knowledge passed down through generations while keeping the craft relevant to modern markets.

We are focusing on training young people. Schools in the commune hold weekly sessions where students learn about and experience traditional crafts, with artisans coming to teach them directly.

This helps pass the craft from one generation to the next while allowing it to evolve without losing its roots.

At the same time, we are updating product designs to meet changing market demand. The commune has worked with the Vietnam University of Fine Arts and Lund University in Sweden to research new designs and develop products.

We also work with the World Crafts Council to promote Chuyen My’s craft village abroad. To do this, we need greater participation from artisans, higher product quality and clearer information about product origins. Services and activities also need to become more professional as more international visitors come to the village