Vietnamese seas and people are major highlights of a Vietnam National Day was held at the 2012 Expo in Yeosu, the Republic of Korea (RoK), on August 6.

The Vietnamese exhibition was divided into four sections introducing the country’s seas and islands, rice paddies, the wild life of salagane, a precious bird species, as well as unique, traditional handicrafts.

Another section promoted Vietnamese and Korean tourism, focusing on Ha Long Bay and Jeju Island, which were voted two of the world’s new seven natural wonders in 2011.

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Tuan Anh said Vietnam has actively supported the RoK in organising the 2012 Expo in Yeosu.

He praised the event’s theme ‘The Living Ocean and Coast,’ saying that it helps raise public awareness of the great challenges facing marine environmental protection and dealing with climate change, rising sea levels and diminishing natural resources.

He said he hopes the event will serve as an international forum for participants to discover feasible solutions for these issues.

Lee Joon Hee, 2012 Expo General Representative, said Vietnam is a promising economy in Southeast Asia that is maintaining rapid growth based on its abundant natural resources and a young, skilled workforce.

He concluded that a bright and prosperous future awaits Vietnam and its people.

The Vietnam National Day is one of a series of events to mark 20 years of Vietnam-RoK diplomatic ties./.