The Mekong Delta province of Ben Tre will host its first annual coconut festival on January 1, 2009 to celebrate the inauguration of Rach Mieu Bridge and the 49th anniversary of the Ben Tre General Uprising (January 17, 1960).

About VND10 billion, sourced from the provincial budget and various enterprises, will be spent on the event, according to a press conference held by the provincial people’s committee on October 10, 2008.

The first Coconut Festival will promote the socio-economic achievements of Ben Tre and investment in the province, which is famous for coconut trees and related commodities.

The event will include conferences, contests, fairs and exhibitions with the participation of mangers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and some of the top local coconut growers.

Ben Tre is home to 45,000ha of coconut plantations and has a well-developed industry for processing and exporting coconuts and related products.

le van phuc (Copy VNA)