The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japanese Showa Women University (SWU) are conducting a project on preservation of a Vietnamese ancient village in Hanoi. The project on preserving Duong Lam ancient village is regarded as “an important step in the bilateral relationship,” said Matsunaga Massaei, JICA’s chief representative in Vietnam. Duong Lam is among three ancient villages in Vietnam subjected to the preservation project in the 2009-2013 period in a bid to treasure the ancient architect and attract visitors. The ancient village, 60 kilometer west of Hanoi, is famed for being the hometown of two kings in the Vietnamese feudal state. To date, the village remains 1,000 ancient houses including 200-year-old facilities. Duong Lam expects to attract around 30,000 visitors by 2020. (Nhan Dan – The People Oct 11 p5)
