Hat Xoan (Xoan singing) is one of Vietnam’s projects to be considered for recognition as the World’s Intangible Cultural Heritage at the sixth Conference of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee on the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage which will be held in Bali, Indonesia from November 22-29.

This was announced by Cecile Duvelle, Chief of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage Section at a press briefing held at Paris-based UNESCO headquarters on November 8.

Mrs Duvelle said Vietnam is likely to succeed as its Xoan singing has met five categories set by the scientific consultancy agency even though the country’s conditions to meet these categories are still modest.

Xoan signing is one of 23 projects on the list of cultural heritage that needs urgent protection and preservation under the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The press briefing was part of the 36^th meeting of the UNESCO General Assembly which is taking place in Paris, France to inform domestic and international reporters about issues which will be tabled at the upcoming the sixth Conference of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee on the Safeguarding of Cultural Intangible Heritage in Bali.

The focus of the discussion will be on financing and other practical measures to preserve the world’s intangible cultural heritage, establishing a committee to consider and evaluate nominated heritage in 2012, and preparations for the 10^th anniversary of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (2003-2013).

Since 2009, the northern province of Phu Tho has coordinated with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Vietnam travel agency and UNESCO to organize seminars on Xoan singing and submit dossiers to UNESCO for recognition as the world’s intangible cultural heritage that needs urgent protection.

Today, Vietnam travel agencies take Xoan singing into their tours to introduce with visitors special international visitors.