Asian diplomats' spouses hold craft 'bazaar' in Egypt

The spouses of Asian diplomats, including from India, today organised a crafts 'bazaar' in the Egyptian capital to raise funds for NGOs working for women and children, with a large number of visitors turning up for the charity event.
The annual one-day bazaar was organised by the Asian Diplomats' Spouses Association (ADSA) at a hotel in Cairo.
"I'm so happy, it's an excellent turnout. We, all the countries, were ready and waiting for our guests. People seem to really enjoy it," said Ranu Bhattacharyya, ADSA president and wife of the India's Ambassador here, Sanjay Bhattacharyya.
Fifteen Asian countries - Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, New Zealand, Palestine, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan and Vietnam - took part in the bazaar, inaugurated by Egyptian Minister of Social Solidarity Ghada Wali.

Eleven Egyptian NGOs also participated in the event.
The Asian embassies sold traditional handmade products and the offered the delicious food for which their countries are famous for. Cultural performances from several Asian countries were also held.

"We tried to extend the scope of the experience of the visitors," Ranu added.
Sanjay Bhattacharyya said this year was special because India is the president of the ADSA.
"This is one event that a large number of countries from Asia and the Pacific come together in a collective manner. I think the presentation at the end of the programme comes as beautiful and appealing. And we see the connections particularly in the level of crafts," he said.

The Indian ambassador said the next big event this month will be the prize distribution ceremony of the 'Glimpses of India' painting competition, which attracted the participation of an unprecedented number of Egyptian schoolchildren.
He said Egyptian actress Dalia El Behery, will be the chief guest, and Indian singer Shibani Kashyap will perform a show at the award function.
On the business side, the ambassador said India is keen on enhancing cooperation with Egypt and two Egyptian business delegations will travel to India in the coming months.