Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh this week signed a directive outlining tasks to boost Vietnam’s cultural industry development in a bid to advance the nation's cultural standing internationally.

Under the policy, the government aims to raise awareness of the importance and value of unlocking the potential of culture for socio-economic growth. 

Vietnam's thriving performing arts landscape. Photo: VGP

Vietnam's approach, which aims to meet the criteria of creativity, identity, uniqueness, professionalism, healthiness, competitiveness and sustainability, will gradually build a national brand and integrate Vietnam into the global value chain in accordance with national and international laws.

The policy highlights that Vietnam, with its rich cultural heritage and burgeoning creative scene, is poised to capitalize on the global momentum of the cultural industries.

In order to create goods and services with both cultural and commercial value, it is necessary to harness technology, creativity, cultural capital, and intellectual property rights, stated the directive.

The Prime Minister urged ministries to raise awareness of the position, role and importance of cultural industries for socio-economic development and the promotion of Vietnamese culture. "Strong leadership and a focused approach are essential to effectively manage this strategic effort," he stressed.

Provinces and cities, in particular members of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, have been encouraged to develop plans to support creative spaces and cultural industry hubs.

Local authorities have been asked to create special categories for cultural industries on their official websites in order to raise public awareness and mobilize their involvement.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has been requested to work with the Ministry of Planning and Investment and relevant agencies to develop a framework of criteria for cultural industries and report on the results in the second quarter of 2025.

According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, six of Vietnam's 12 cultural sectors are experiencing significant growth, including cinema, handicrafts, design, performing arts, cultural tourism, and entertainment software and games.