This morning, ASEAN tourism forum (ATF) has been opening ceremony in Hanoi with the participation of Minister of Tourism from 10 countries in the region. The first session discussed about broadcasting the images of ASEAN to the world and agreements of mutual recognition among the countries.

10 countries attended ATF includes Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.

First session was chaired by Mr. Tran Chien Thang, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Culture and Information and Tourism. The delegates discussed measures to promote a stronger image of ASEAN tourism while the number of international visitors to the area is declining.

According to the discussion, the countries will coordinate with the U.S Agency of International Development to implement project for strengthening ASEAN competitiveness. The MOU will be signed at the tour seminar on January 10.

Particularly, the meeting adopted the final draft Agreements of mutual recognition in tourism so that Ministers can sign on January 9. This text will give favorable conditions for ASEAN citizens when travelling, developing human resource in the region.

The delegates also discussed about the construction of tourism investment corridor, the list of bases in residents’ house, assessing the performance in 2008. The delegates also proposed projects implemented in 2009 on all fields of marketing, human resources, investment, tourism standards, information of tourism crisis and cruise, etc.