In 2022, Hanoi became the first locality in Vietnam to issue a resolution targeting comprehensive and sustainable cultural development in terms of scale, product quality, service, market and modern infrastructure. It is also set to turn culture into a key economic driver.
A dragon dance performance at the walking streets around Hoan Kiem lake. (Photo: Ha Phuong/ VOV)
The resolution for the 2021-2025 period with an orientation to 2030 and a vision to 2045 aims to make the cultural industry a spearhead economic sector. Vice Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Nguyen Van Phong said although Hanoi ranks 17th on the list of national capitals by area, it is among few capital cities with a thousand-year-old history.
“Hanoi has defined developing culture and promoting the cultural and civilized lifestyle of Hanoians as a significant impetus for the capital’s rapid and sustainable development,” said Phong.
Under the resolution, the cultural industry will contribute about 5% to the city’s gross regional domestic product (GRDP) by 2025 while maintaining and developing the brand of thousand of years of civilization, “City for Peace”, and “Creative City.”
At a workshop in Hanoi in August, many experts and cultural researchers strongly supported the resolution. Mr. Bui Hoai Son, a member of the National Assembly’s Committee on Culture and Education, said, “The resolution concretizes the development of Hanoi’s culture and people to meet the requirement for national development in the modern time. Hanoi’s cultural quintessence is the pride for Vietnam. Thus, it is essential to bring into full play Hanoi’s cultural values.”
Chau Van performance in the Old Quarter of Hanoi. (Photo: Minh Duc/ VNA)
Hanoi has issued policies to develop and expand cultural spaces, art and creative centres.
The capital city is also focused on developing culture in areas of great potential, including urban areas, traditional craft villages through training or research programs with international experts to promote Hanoi’s cultural industry to the world and lure more investors.
“With this resolution, many projects approved by the Prime Minister will be implemented. For example, intangible cultural events will be included in the Mid-Autumn festival and Lunar New Year festival to attract tourists. We’ll also promote international exchanges," said Mr. Nguyen Thanh Quang, Director of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel Conservation Center.
Hanoi is home to more than 300 traditional craft villages and nearly 6,000 cultural relic sites. It plans to reserve more space for cultural community events, recreational activities, walking streets, and commercial centers.