Maries Welcomes Lao–Luxembourg Delegation Advancing Handicrafts and Sustainable Development in Hue

Maries Welcomes Lao–Luxembourg Delegation
Advancing Handicrafts and Sustainable Development in Hue

On January 24, 2026, within the framework of a working visit aimed at promoting green investment, public financial management, and sustainable development cooperation in Vietnam, Maries – By Viet Arisans had the honor of welcoming a high-level delegation from the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency (LuxDev).

The delegation was led by Ms. Phonevanh Outhavong, Deputy Minister of Finance of Laos. Two days earlier, on January 22, 2026, she had met with leaders of the People’s Committee of Hue City to discuss future development cooperation between the two sides. Accompanying the delegation was Mr. Robert de Waha, Resident Representative of LuxDev for Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

The visit to Maries formed part of a series of field engagements to explore local economic models aligned with sustainable development—particularly initiatives that generate community livelihoods and promote green growth. The selection of a handicraft enterprise in Hue as a working destination underscored a growing recognition of the role Vietnamese handicrafts can play in long-term development strategies and international cooperation.

At “Maries Craft House” on 46 Chu Van An Street, the delegation toured the production area, artists’ creative studio, and product display space. The handcrafted bags, conical hats, wallets, and accessories woven from Hue’s native Lepironia grass were not presented merely as consumer goods, but as tangible expressions of a locally rooted development model. Each stage—from raw material treatment and meticulous hand-weaving to detailed hand-painting—reflected a thoughtful fusion of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design thinking.

As the global economy increasingly shifts toward sustainable development models, Maries remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving traditional weaving techniques while improving incomes for rural women. The company currently provides stable employment to dozens of local artisans, many of whom are women from craft villages. This intersection—economic growth paired with social responsibility and environmental awareness—mirrors the international cooperation priorities emphasized during the delegation’s visit.

The working session opened meaningful dialogue on the role of local economies within regional cooperation frameworks. When professionally organized and strategically positioned, handicrafts can become a substantive contributor to green growth. Beyond export value, the sector safeguards cultural heritage and strengthens national identity—elements that are gaining prominence within modern economic diplomacy.

Ms. Hồ Sương Lan, Founder and CEO of Maries Co., Ltd., shared the brand’s journey from its roots in the traditional Lepironia grass weaving villages to its gradual expansion into high-end and international markets. Rather than pursuing mass production, Maries has chosen a path of depth and refinement: strict quality control, design investment, and brand storytelling anchored in Hue’s cultural heritage. This approach not only enhances product value but also protects traditional weaving practices amid the pressures of industrialization.

For the Maries team, the visit was both a moment of pride and a source of renewed motivation. When the persistent efforts of a local handicraft enterprise are placed within the broader context of multilateral cooperation and green investment strategies, it affirms that the path chosen is a meaningful one. Handicrafts are no longer peripheral to modern economies; instead, they can form part of the solution to sustainable development challenges.