Vietnam's Tea Culture Network Established to Preserve and Promote Heritage

A comprehensive network is being established to preserve and promote Vietnam's tea culture nationwide. As part of this initiative, the Vietnam Tea Culture Association, along with its branches in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, were launched simultaneously. This move creates a linked system from the national to the local level, aiming to build a tea culture network with inter-regional connections. The plan is to gradually expand this network to prominent tea-producing regions across the country. Under Vietnam's one-party system, the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage are considered national priorities. Tea culture is recognized for its value as a symbol of Vietnam's traditional lifestyle and social connections. Despite Vietnam's rapid economic growth, the inheritance of traditional culture, which is gradually being lost amidst modernization, is also seen as a social challenge. This network establishment, considering these backgrounds, can be seen as a crucial step towards establishing tea culture as a "Vietnamese brand" and promoting its charm both domestically and internationally. In the past, events themed around tea and exchanges through tea ceremony with Japan have taken place, increasing international interest. For instance, "Tea Carnival 2025" and discussions inspired by tea ceremony at innovation conferences between Japan and Vietnam show that tea culture is forming an identity element for Vietnam in various ways. Furthermore, in diplomatic settings, Vietnam's tea and culinary culture is utilized as soft power, as seen in tea gatherings in Laos.