Cycling Tour in HCMC held to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations between The Netherlands and Vietnam

On April 8, 2023, hundreds of people participated in a cycling event around District 1, Ho Chi Minh City to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Netherlands.

Some 400 participants, including local officials and Dutch Consulate General staff, cycled past the city’s tourist attractions, such as the Opera House, Ben Thanh Market and Central Post Office.

The cyclists used environmentally friendly T-shirts made from 50% coffee-yarn and 50% recycled PET, an 100% recyclable plastic type. The T-shirts were designed by the Dutch Consulate General.

Cycling is one of the solutions for HCMC’s sustainable development, according to Dutch Consul General Daniel Stork. He noted that “bicycle is the easiest way, a cheap way and accessible for anybody at any level of society.”

The event is one of the activities held to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Netherlands. It was organized in collaboration with the HCMC Department of Transport, the Vietnam-Netherlands Friendship Association in HCMC, the Dutch Business Association Vietnam and the Dutch Cycling Embassy.

The tour is expected to promote sustainability, reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality and avoid car accidents around the city.

The Dutch Consulate General previously held bike workshops with the Department of Transport between April 5 and 7.

Experts from the Dutch Cycling Embassy discussed with local authorities and university students on the promotion of cycling and the development of cycling infrastructure in HCMC.