Vietnam Seeks New Value from Cultural Heritage for Economic and Social Gains

Vietnam is transitioning from a traditional focus on preserving cultural heritage to actively unlocking its value. Dr. Nguyen Thu Hanh, Director of the Centre for Research and Development of Vietnam Cultural Industry (SDCI), pointed out that the key obstacle has been the weak connection between heritage and science, technology, education, design, communications, and the marketplace. This disconnect limits the economic, educational, and social impact of the country's abundant cultural resources. Top leadership directives are charting a new course for culture-led development, with experts anticipating a significant transformation in Vietnamese culture. This shift aims to redefine the role of culture in contemporary society, contributing to economic growth and improving the quality of life for citizens. The strategy involves integrating traditional crafts and historical sites with modern design and technology to enhance global competitiveness, and developing them into educational programs and tourism content to attract both domestic and international interest. This move is seen as part of Vietnam's socio-economic development strategy under its one-party system. While the Vietnamese economy has long relied on manufacturing and exports, the importance of the service and cultural industries is growing. Unlocking new value from cultural heritage holds the potential to contribute to economic diversification and sustainable growth. Furthermore, it is expected to foster social cohesion by enabling citizens to take pride in and leverage their cultural heritage.