Amid this lively scene, the traditional brocade weaving of the Lao people from Điện Biên stood out impressively. The fabrics carried the cultural essence of Vietnam’s far-western lands, asserting their presence on an international stage.

A bridge for cultural exchange

From October 24 to 26, Jiangcheng county hosted the “2025 traditional brocade weaving skills contest of Pumi people -  Creativity and success” alongside a cultural and startup exchange event for Vietnam, Laos, and China. The theme “Weaving as a bridge for cultural exchange - Three countries advancing together” highlighted the connection between culture, traditional crafts, and collaborative growth.

Among dozens of exhibition booths, Điện Biên province’s display stood out with purple, red, and yellow hues of traditional attire crafted from Lao brocade. Though occupying only a few square meters, the booth showcased woven fabrics, scarves, ethnic costumes, looms, and weaving tools, bringing the story of the craft vividly to life.

Visitors could watch Lao artisans from Điện Biên in traditional dress, diligently working at the looms. Their nimble hands wove thread into intricate, colorful patterns, as if creating a living bridge linking Vietnam, Laos, and China.

Lầu Thị Thanh Hương, Vice Chair of the provincial Labor Federation and head of the Điện Biên delegation, said: “This is our first time participating in this event. We bring not only our craft skills but also the spirit of highland women - their skill, patience, and pride in cultural identity. Through this contest, we hope to showcase Điện Biên’s Lao brocade to the world, while also learning about entrepreneurship and promoting cultural products from international partners in the modern era.”

More than a skills contest, the event offered artisans and entrepreneurs from the three countries opportunities to meet, exchange ideas, and learn from one another. Activities included traditional costume shows, tours of agriculture-tourism-culture models, and startup discussions, where representatives shared experiences on branding and turning cultural products into economic value.

From village looms to international stage

Thirty-two teams from Vietnam, Laos, and China competed in the skills contest, each presenting original works reflecting their ethnic heritage. The contest was lively, with artisans demonstrating weaving techniques while completing their pieces within 30 minutes.

Artisan Lò Thị Viên, a member of the delegation and manager of the Na Sang II Lao Brocade Cooperative in Núa Ngam commune (Điện Biên province), worked passionately at her loom. Even audiences marveled at the evenly tensioned threads and emerging patterns.

Đào Duy Trình, a contest judge, commented: “Điện Biên artisans have precise, skilled techniques and are very creative with color combinations. Their products clearly reflect Lao identity, blending tradition with innovation to suit contemporary tastes. They were among the most impressive entries. This event allowed Điện Biên artisans to show that their skills are on par with teams from Laos and China. Beyond competition, it’s a great opportunity to promote their products and connect with potential partners.”

The results spoke for themselves: Điện Biên won second prize. Yet beyond awards, the real achievement was pride: Lao brocade weaving from Điện Biên had moved beyond the village, becoming a cultural bridge across three nations.

Gentle smiles, nimble hands, and the rhythmic sounds of the loom blended with ethnic music, creating a warm atmosphere. Many delegates, locals, and Chinese tourists lingered at the Điện Biên booth, drawn not just to the textiles but to the stories behind the traditional craft.

Amid the crowds, the handmade brocade pieces stood out for their harmony and refinement. Cotton and silk threads, shaped by the skilled hands of highland women, told stories of village life: wavy lines representing rivers and streams; fire stones symbolizing warmth and unity; triangles evoking mountains and forests where villages were founded; diamond shapes, ferns, ban flowers, fish, elephants, and dragons narrating tales of nature, prosperity, and happiness.

Lò Thị Viên shared emotionally: “For us, each fabric tells a story. Lao people in Điện Biên province weave not just for clothing but to express their soul. Bringing our craft to another land fills us with pride and emotion. I hope Lao and Chinese friends understand our culture better, while we also learn new things from them.”

Small threads weaving big friendships

After the contest, the Điện Biên delegation visited models combining agriculture, tourism, and culture in Giang Thành. Lessons on local branding, cultural product development linked with tourism, and promotion via social media offered valuable insights to apply back home.

Lầu Thị Thanh Hương added: “We hope that in the future, Điện Biên can have more programs for vocational training and creative entrepreneurship for ethnic minority women. The province has great potential in developing cultural products. With support in promotion and market connection, traditional weaving could become a sustainable path.”

The traditional brocade skills contest and three-country startup exchange celebrated the artistry of highland women and the enduring ties among border ethnic groups. Each woven fabric served as a “thread of connection”, symbolizing peace, friendship, cooperation, and development.

For Điện Biên, this was a journey of cultural promotion, broadening horizons, and asserting its place on the regional cultural map. Through delicate threads, Lao women of Điện Biên contributed to weaving friendship, pride, and ambition that stretches beyond borders.