Hanoi, Dec. 8 -- As global competition intensifies, developing internationally recognised brands has become crucial for Vietnam's handicraft sector which, despite its rich heritage, has yet to fully unlock the export potential. Hanoi alone is home to around 1,350 handicraft villages whose products have already reached markets such as Japan, the US, and the European Union. Yet, facing rivals from China, India, or the Philippines, Vietnam's handicrafts still struggle to stand out. Industry insiders say the biggest bottleneck lies in design stagnation and the absence of a strong brand identity. Many products follow existing templates instead of offering fresh or distinctive concepts. Some items with high aesthetic value fail to match consume...