Viet Nam Cultural Week in Rome, Italy kicked off on January 12 with an exhibition on the distinguished traditional values of the Southeast Asian country.

On display are prominent Vietnamese artefacts, including the Gong in the Central Highlands region, handmade brocade items, pottery, traditional clothes, and musical instruments. Photos and films featuring famous tourism destinations, including Ha Long Bay, Hoi An ancient town, and My Son Sanctuary, are also showcased.

The exhibition offers live traditional music performances and the option to taste classic Vietnamese flavours and cuisine.

Apart from the exhibition, the cultural week also covers a wide range of workshops and activities aimed at boosting cooperation between Viet Nam and Italy in tourism, trade, and cinema.

Intending to promote the Vietnamese image abroad, the event will run until 26, ahead of the country’s larger participation in the Milan world fair EXPO 2015.