The “Mekong-Japan Tourism and Culture Festival” will open in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho on December 1, one day earlier than scheduled, said a local official on October 21.

Around 300 guests, including leaders of the culture and tourism sector of Mekong sub-region countries and Japan and representatives from international organisations will attend the event, which will run till December 5, according to Vice Chairman of Can Tho People’s Committee Tran Tuan Anh.

High on the agenda are a workshop underscoring the sustainable development of tourism in the Mekong Delta region, a photo exhibition, arts performances and sports competitions.

According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the activities are expected to contribute to the success of the Mekong-Japan Exchange Year, beef up friendship and cooperation among Mekong sub-region countries and step up the strategic partnership between Vietnam and Japan.

The festival is an opportunity to promote Vietnam’s image, highlight the socio-economic potential of the Mekong Delta region, and attract more tourists and investment into the region in particular and into Vietnam in general, he said.