Vietnam’s quan ho has passed the round of consideration for recognition as intangible cultural heritage of humankind (ICS), said a senior official.

The Cultural Heritage Agency’s Vice Chief Dr. Le Thi Minh Ly said that the Advisory Council of the Convention 2003 Inter-governmental Committee has just completed consideration of 111 nominees for recognition as ICS this year.

The Advisory Council informed Vietnam that quan ho meets the standards of the Convention 2003 on intangible cultural heritages. Quan ho files will now be sent to the Convention 2003 Inter-governmental Committee.

At this meeting, representatives of 24 countries including Vietnam will choose and announce the names of the new intangible cultural heritages from September 28 to October 2, 2009.

According to Ly, quan ho has passed the most important round of recognition. After the first round, or the evaluation of administrative formalities, this round was for technical evaluation. In this round, experts considered the value, the vitality of nominated heritages and plans to preserve them.

Vietnam’s ca tru has also been nominated as an intangible culture heritage that needs urgent protection.

VietNamNet/TT&VH