ASEAN Mini Bazaar

Newsdesk: In view of promoting the culture and gastronomy of ASEAN to the public and the diplomatic corps in Bangladesh, the ASEAN Ladies Association (ALA), together with the ASEAN-Dhaka Committee, organized the “ASEAN Mini Bazaar” on Sunday, 19 March. The Philippine Embassy in Bangladesh, together with other ASEAN diplomatic missions in Bangladesh, such as the embassies and high commissions of Brunei, Indonesia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam, actively participated in the event and showcased their signature delicacies, handicrafts, and traditional fabrics from their countries, among others.

His Excellency Leo Tito L. Ausan, Jr., Ambassador-designate of the Philippines to Bangladesh, as Chair of the ASEAN-Dhaka Committee, welcomed the participating representatives from ASEAN Embassies and High Commissions and the guests with his opening remarks. Ambassador Ausan highlighted the timeliness of the Bazaar organized by the ALA, as the global community recently celebrated International Women’s Day last March 8, and as for the Philippines, March is National Women’s Month. He also emphasized the importance of the event to strengthen the engagement with Bangladesh, aside from giving the ASEAN countries the platform to exhibit their diverse and colorful culture through crafts, music, and food.

Madame Fahima Zabeen, President of the Foreign Officers Spouses’ Association (FOSA), also graced the event as Chief Guest. Madame Sinta Ekawati Subolo, President of ALA, inaugurated the Bazaar and warmly welcomed more than a hundred guests at the Indonesian Embassy, which fittingly served as the venue for today’s event. The guests, which included members of the diplomatic corps, ASEAN communities in Dhaka, the private sector, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, also enjoyed cultural performances from participating ASEAN countries.