Creative Labour: Vietnam's Future Resource

Vietnam's top leader, Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, has emphasized that 'creative labour' will become the most crucial resource for the country's future development. This highlights Vietnam's strategy to focus on nurturing and utilizing human capital as it continues to deepen international relations and economic growth. To Lam expressed significant interest in further fostering the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the Republic of Korea (RoK), particularly in areas such as politics, economy, trade, investment, science and technology, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. This indicates Vietnam's emphasis on high-level technology and innovation as drivers of its economic expansion. Furthermore, Vietnam is expanding its role on the international stage, transitioning its multilateral diplomacy from active participation to proactive contribution. The nation aims to influence international rule-making and leverage its position for national development and safeguarding its interests, signaling a move towards a more leading role in the global order. Domestically, Ho Chi Minh City is reinforcing its role as Vietnam's economic engine following administrative mergers. The Cai Mep Ha Free Trade Zone (FTZ) is poised to become a strategic growth driver, serving as a gateway to the global maritime economy. This demonstrates Vietnam's ambition to utilize special economic zones to establish itself as a hub for international trade and investment. In its pursuit of cultural and creative industry development, Vietnam aims to add another title to its growing list of UNESCO Creative Cities, planning to establish its first City of Photography as early as 2027. This initiative follows the recognition of Hanoi (Design), Hoi An (Crafts and Folk Art), Da Lat (Music), and Ho Chi Minh City (Film) by the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, underscoring Vietnam's focus on cultural richness and creativity as sources of national competitiveness alongside economic growth. After nearly four decades, Vietnam has transformed into a highly open economy deeply integrated into regional and global markets. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has played a pivotal role, with cumulative registered capital nearing $550 billion USD and over 46,000 active projects, highlighting the nation's success in attracting international investment to fuel its economic progress.