Vietnam Leverages Culture for Economic Growth: Digitalization and International Cooperation

Vietnam is accelerating its strategy to leverage its rich cultural heritage as a key driver for national development and economic growth, focusing on digitalization, the application of science and technology, and enhanced international cooperation. The Politburo's Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science and technology development, innovation, and national digital transformation aligns with the development of wellness tourism. In historic cities like Hue, the strategy offers opportunities to combine modern medicine with traditional healthcare, biotechnology, and indigenous medicinal herbs to create high-value services. Digitizing Vietnam’s folk culture, including oral literature, beliefs, customs, festivals, and art passed down through generations, has become an urgent lever for national cultural development. This digitalization is expected to open new opportunities for smart tourism, expanding public access to heritage and enhancing research activities. Party General Secretary and State President To Lam has stressed the need to address bottlenecks hindering the transformation of culture into an endogenous resource, soft power, and a driver of national development. He noted that the appeal and reach of positive cultural values in the digital environment have yet to keep pace with the rapid growth of digital platforms and content. Hanoi has launched a series of initiatives to realize its vision of becoming a "Civilized – Distinctive – Creative" capital, with culture and innovation serving as key growth engines. These include the creative infrastructure development program and the 2026 creative space design competition, encouraging the revitalization of former industrial sites and traditional craft villages through innovative design solutions. As Vietnam identifies cultural industries as a new driver of economic growth and national branding, AI is expected to play an increasingly important role in strengthening their competitiveness. The implementation of Resolution No. 06, alongside the cultural diplomacy strategy, sends a clear message: by combining its rich cultural heritage with proactive diplomacy, innovation, and digital transformation, Vietnam would strengthen its competitiveness on the global stage. The "Hue Autumn Festival 2026" is planned to offer a vibrant blend of heritage, music, and sports, showcasing Vietnam's cultural diversity. In Da Nang City, businesses and coffee artisans are reimagining the central region's signature specialties through creative coffee beverages, adding value to OCOP (One Commune One Product) items and strengthening links between agriculture, culture, tourism, and commerce. Vovinam – Viet Vo Dao, a martial art originating in Vietnam, has gained international recognition, with over 10,000 practitioners and about 50 clubs in France alone, demonstrating the global reach of Vietnamese culture. Vietnam aims to enhance its soft power and international competitiveness by integrating its cultural heritage into modern economic and social development, moving beyond mere preservation. Copyright, VietnamPlus, Vietnam News Agency (VNA)