Vietnam Pivots to Cultural Heritage as Engine for Growth and Soft Power

Vietnam is actively pursuing a multifaceted strategy to transform its rich cultural heritage into a potent engine for economic growth and a source of international soft power. Initiatives to secure UNESCO World Heritage status play a crucial role in preserving and promoting regional cultural legacies, such as the Quan ho (love duet) folk singing and Dong Ho folk woodblock printings from Bac Ninh province. These heritages form the core of Vietnam's identity, reflecting its creativity and aesthetics. Furthermore, Vietnam is placing significant emphasis on the digitization of its cultural heritage. The digitalization of folk culture, encompassing oral literature, beliefs, customs, festivals, and arts passed down through generations, is considered an urgent and vital lever for national cultural development in the new era. On the international stage, Vietnam is enhancing its global presence through cultural events. The 10th edition of the classical guitar festival, international beauty pageants, and martial arts festivals attract participants and audiences from both within and outside the country, fostering cultural exchange. Notably, a marathon event set against the backdrop of Ha Long Bay, recognized as one of the world's most scenic running courses, highlights the potential of sports tourism. In terms of culinary culture, Vietnamese cuisine has garnered significant global acclaim, ranking high in TasteAtlas rankings. This indicates that Vietnamese food is increasingly recognized internationally not just as sustenance but as a cultural experience. Even in architecture, legislative amendments are clarifying the concept of "national cultural identity in architecture," linking design to the preservation and promotion of regional heritage. This encourages architecture that mirrors local identity and aligns with the natural, historical, and social conditions of each locality. Experts believe that through coordinated reforms in institutions, technology, human resources, and infrastructure, Vietnam can transform its cultural heritage into a powerful engine for innovation, economic growth, and national soft power. This represents a significant step for Vietnam to create modern value while respecting tradition, thereby enhancing its influence on the global stage.