Vietnam Boosts Cultural Diplomacy and Digitalization for Economic Growth

For the second half of 2026, the Vietnam–Russia Friendship Association is set to press on with effectively implementing its cooperation agreement with the Russia–Vietnam Friendship Association for 2025–2030. The agreement was inked by Le Quoc Minh, member of the Party Central Committee (PCC), Deputy Head of the PCC’s Commission for Information, Education and Mass Mobilisation, President of the Vietnam Journalists Association, and Editor-in-Chief of Nhan Dan, and Sergei Kochetkov, First Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Rossiya Segodnya. Foreign Minister Trung told the press following the PM’s participation in the summit, held in Kazan, Russia, on June 17-18, that the event has yielded "highly positive and comprehensive" results, laying a strategic foundation for cooperation between ASEAN and Russia – Vietnam’s comprehensive strategic partner. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Nguyen Hang Nga, Director of the Vietnam Exhibition Centre for Culture and Arts, said the exhibition gives visitors deeper insight into cultural figure and scholar Le Quy Don's vast scholarly contributions through photographs, historical documents, woodblock reproductions, stone inscriptions, books and other valuable archival materials. 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. Hue stood out for its imperial cuisine, a culinary tradition rooted in the city's history as the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty. Renowned for its refined flavours, meticulous preparation and artistic presentation, Hue's cuisine reflects centuries of royal and cultural traditions. 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, as 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 recently launched a series of initiatives to realise its vision of becoming a "Civilised – Distinctive – Creative" capital, where culture and innovation serve as key growth engines. Among the most notable are the creative infrastructure development programme and the 2026 creative space design competition, which encourage architects, designers and creative communities to revitalise former industrial sites, relocated facilities, traditional craft villages, parks, squares and other public spaces through innovative yet practical design solutions. This year's tournament marked the first edition of the Southeast Asian championship to be held in a cup format, replacing the former SEA V League. It also saw Vietnam reach the final for the first time. Businesses and coffee artisans in Da Nang city are reimagining the central region's signature specialties through creative coffee beverages, offering visitors distinctive flavours while adding value to OCOP (One Commune One Product) items and strengthening links between agriculture, culture, tourism and commerce. In the 18th Games in 2018, Vietnam lost 0-3 to the RoK in Palembang, Indonesia, but defeated the strong rival 3-2 in the 2023 Games in Hangzhou, China. Originating in Vietnam, Vovinam – Viet Vo Dao has steadily gained international recognition. In France, this martial art has become firmly established, with more than 10,000 practitioners and about 50 clubs operating under the French Vovinam Federation. Beyond preservation, digitalisation is opening new opportunities for smart tourism, thereby expanding public access to heritage and enhancing research activities. Beyond museum walls, technology is also reshaping how the public experiences the city's heritage. Held from July 12 to 25 across eight cities and provinces, Vietnam Summer Camp 2026 offered a rich array of experiences. Participants explored historical landmarks, visited iconic cultural heritage sites such as the imperial city of Hue, Hoi An ancient town, and the My Son Sanctuary, and engaged in charitable activities valued at over 300 million VND (11,400 USD), including the installation of a "Youth Bookshelf." Produced by the India Book of Records (IBR) based on an idea by Prof. Dr. Chu Bao Que, "Love Garden" weaves Quan Ho folk singing into a bridge connecting past and present. The storyline follows a young Indian woman from Madhya Pradesh state who travels to the heartland of Quan Ho in northern Vietnam and performance stages in Hanoi to trace memories of her late mother. Seven goals were scored in the match by Vietnam, with a hat trick by Nguyen Dinh Bac, a brace by Do Hoang Hen and two goals from Nguyen Xuan Son and Nguyen Quang Hai. Today’s souvenirs capture the rhythm of everyday life: a “banh mi” (Vietnamese baguette) lapel pin, a sketchbook of Hanoi’s tangled streets, and illustrations of daily life in Ho Chi Minh City. They work because they paint a Vietnam that feels authentic, approachable and alive. Simple, compelling stories are giving cultural souvenirs a whole new appeal. Themed "City Awakening – Awakening Heritage," Hue Wonderverse Music Fest 2026 aims to offer an immersive experience that combines Hue's rich cultural heritage with contemporary music, art and cutting-edge performance technology. As the reigning champions and with a squad widely regarded as possessing greater depth than the one that lifted the trophy in 2024, Vietnam now has the opportunity to make history by becoming the first team ever to successfully defend the ASEAN Cup title in 2026. Nguyen Nam Nhan, Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Culture and Sports and head of the organising committee, said Vietnamese traditional martial arts embody the essence of martial arts excellence, fostering a philosophy of life that upholds the values of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty, while continuing to gain recognition among the international community. The excavation was conducted as an emergency by the Quang Ngai provincial Museum since early June after a local man reported that he accidentally discovered artefacts suspected of being an ancient kiln relic. Copyright, VietnamPlus, Vietnam News Agency (VNA) Editor-in-chief, Mr. Tran Tien Duan.