Vietnam Makes Strong Imprint at Canadian Cultural Festival, Bolstering Cultural Diplomacy

Vietnam made a strong impression at the Asian cultural festival held in Canada, showcasing its cultural heritage and hospitality to the international community. This initiative is part of Vietnam's ongoing cultural diplomacy efforts, which run parallel to the deepening of its economic ties. Vietnam is Canada's largest trading partner in ASEAN, and its economic relations, built on the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), are expanding into higher value-added areas such as clean energy, critical minerals, advanced technology, manufacturing, and value-chain linkages. Alongside this strengthening of economic connections, cultural exchanges are also being promoted. At the Latino Festival in Burlington, near Toronto, Canada, a Vietnamese tea stall offered a tranquil space, introducing Vietnamese tea to international visitors and sharing Vietnam's spirit of hospitality. This serves as an example of Vietnam's efforts to promote its culture abroad. Furthermore, Vietnam participated in the BRICS Bazaar 2026 in India, bringing its distinctive lacquerware and toys. The "Vietnam Festival" held in Kanagawa, Japan, has reached its 10th edition, becoming an important bridge connecting the people of Vietnam and Japan. Vietnam's participation in a festival in Belgium also provided an opportunity to demonstrate international solidarity and cooperation. Domestically, efforts are also intensifying to leverage cultural heritage and promote creative industries. In Hanoi, the "Thang Long – Hanoi Festival 2026," organized by the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, aims to bring traditional culture closer to the public, expand international exchange, and contribute to the development of the cultural industries. These activities are seen as putting into practice the Politburo's resolution on cultural development. Culture is increasingly recognized not merely as a field to be preserved and upheld, but as a spiritual foundation, an internal strength, a resource, and a key driver of sustainable development. Vietnamese artists living abroad also play a role as "cultural ambassadors," connecting Vietnam with the international community. These cultural initiatives are considered to play a significant role in strengthening national identity and promoting national unity under Vietnam's one-party system. Moreover, by enhancing its cultural soft power in parallel with economic growth, Vietnam appears to be pursuing a strategy to elevate its standing in the international community.