The ASEAN Women’s Circle (AWC) opened its annual bazaar in Jakarta, Indonesia on October 28.

Head of the AWC Ugi Pramono said the event is intended to tighten the sense of connectivity and mutual understanding among women as well as the peoples of ASEAN countries given the ASEAN Community is set to take shape later this year.

Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (fourth from left) and participants posing for a joint photo at an event to inaugurate the ASEAN Women’s Circle of Hanoi (AWCH) on August 11th 2015. Photo: VNA

She also thanked the ASEAN Secretariat for supporting the AWC in enhancing cultural exchanges and cooperation among the bloc’s member nations.

The two-day bazaar features the participation of the 10 regional countries and ASEAN partners, including Japan, the Republic of Korea, China and India, which showcase their traditional products and cuisine at event pavilions.

On the occasion, the AWC is also holding fundraising activities to help low-income people and less privileged children.

Established on August 8, 1975, the AWC is a social organisation with 250 female members from the ASEAN countries who work in diplomacy. It aims to foster collaboration among the regional nations through social and cultural activities.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Source: VNA