"We will promote the three sectors in our programmes to help foreign viewers learn more about Vietnamese fashion and discover the country' beautiful landscapes and specialties," said Pham Van Viet, director of HCM City-based clothing producer Viet Thang Jean.

"Our country has enormous tourism potential with hundreds of resorts which are no less beautiful than those overseas," Viet said, "So we need to enhance our promotion."

He said advertising on international television networks was an inexpensive way to tell foreign viewers Vietnam had more to offer than its iconic pho (beef noodle soup) and ao dai (the traditional Vietnamese dress).

Under the deal, FTV will broadcast made-in-Vietnam programmes for seven hours a day through the Indochina region, which takes in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.

Viet Thang Jean-sponsored ads will air for 30 minutes a day on FTV's Asia network and 10 minutes a day on the network's global broadcast.

Founded in France in 1997 by Michel Adam Lisowski, FTV is seen by more than 300 million households in 202 countries across five continents.

Last year, FTV kicked off the year with a New Year party on its five-star F.Diamond cruise ship that was docked in HCM City and promoted Vietnam on its network throughout the year.

Thanh Nien News - September 12, 2009