Embassy opens its doors to celebrate relations with Vietnam.

To celebrate the rapid growth of Canada-Vietnam relations during the past 15 years, the Embassy recently opened its gates and held an “Open House”, a first for any Embassy in Hanoi and a unique concept in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. 

Canada has had 36 years of official diplomatic relations with Vietnam, and our shared history is even longer due to Canada’s prominent role as one of three members of the International Commission for Supervision and Control in Vietnam from 1954-1973.  But it wasn’t until 1994 that Canada formally named an Ambassador to Vietnam and found a permanent home for our diplomatic representatives.  The Embassy has a unique location in a restored French villa only steps from the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, and other key government buildings.

More than 200 guests took advantage of the opportunity to visit the Embassy, including key interlocutors from government, business, the vibrant community of Canadians in Vietnam, the revitalized Canadian Chamber of Commerce chapter in Hanoi, alumni of Canadian universities and students from Canadian studies programs in Hanoi. 

In addition to meeting Embassy staff, visitors had the opportunity to see a showcase of displays about Embassy activities and Canadian Non-Governmental Organizations working in the country, including Oxfam Québec.  Ten Canadian companies with offices in Vietnam used the venue to highlight their business operations and several showcased local Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, including Talisman Energy and Manulife.  

The Embassy guest book reflects positive comments from visitors, including:

“This is the first time I’ve been lucky to visit the Embassy of a foreign country.  It creates a wonderful impression for me.  May the Vietnam - Canada friendship develop more!”

 

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