Brian Jeffrey
Experts believe that the recent Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW issued by the Politburo has the potential to enhance the role of the private economic sector in advancing the cultural industries.
This resolution underscores the vital importance of the private sector within Vietnam’s socialist-oriented market economy. It identifies private businesses as key contributors to national economic growth, job creation, productivity, global competitiveness, and the transition towards an eco-friendly, circular, and sustainable economy.
Enhancing cultural identity and global presence
Associate Professor Dr. Bui Hoai Son, a member of the National Assembly’s Cultural and Social Committee, stated that culture serves as both a binding force and a spiritual asset, essential for a nation’s resilience. Previously, cultural expansion relied greatly on government involvement, but the landscape has changed significantly with digital advancement and a creative economy.
Currently, private companies are not merely supporting but are actively influencing Vietnam’s cultural infrastructure. Major players like Sun Group, Vingroup, FLC, and TMS Group have invested in initiatives that combine tourism with heritage preservation, revitalizing historical landmarks and integrating them into contemporary society. These efforts do more than conserve heritage; they create jobs, draw tourism, and stimulate local economies, he contended.
Private firms are independently developing cultural offerings while effectively managing market research, content creation, branding, and distribution. Their contributions have elevated Vietnamese cultural values on the international stage, enhancing national pride and benefiting the economy.
Ha Quoc Cuong from the Ho Chi Minh City Drama Theatre noted that with over 300 years of history, the southern metropolis has always fostered creativity and resilience. There is a growing public interest in culture and the arts. The city’s strategy to engage society in promoting the arts, while encouraging private sector participation under government oversight, has resulted in successful performances that are both entertaining and culturally enriching.
He also pointed out the evolution of public institutions, many of which have adopted tourism-related programs to preserve and promote traditional arts, receiving enthusiastic support from audiences.
Tran Son, Director of Bao Son Engineering JSC, highlighted the recent success of the Vietnamese film “Dia dao – mat troi trong bong toi” (Tunnels) as a prime example of how private investment is revitalizing the film sector. Such successes highlight the necessity for increased support for private involvement in the cinema, an important segment of the cultural industries.
Collaborative vision for cultural advancement
Dr. Bui Hoai Son remarked that, in this new chapter of national growth, private enterprises are crucial for cultural development. Entrepreneurs often lead the way in exploring new boundaries, adopting innovative concepts, and internationalizing Vietnamese culture through bold and creative efforts.
He emphasized that to fully integrate the private sector as a strategic ally in cultural progression, there must be a supportive ecosystem comprising clear incentives, a transparent legal system, favorable policies, and strong cooperation with the government. A mindset shift is necessary; moving from a “request-and-grant” approach to one that fosters equal partnerships, and transitioning from bureaucratic oversight to facilitation and support. This, he stated, is an opportune time for Vietnam to collaboratively shape a cultural future grounded in identity and rich in global creativity.
Associate Professor Dr. Le Quy Duc from the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics urged the formulation of policies that promote investments in cultural infrastructure and advanced technologies to enhance the quality of cultural goods and services. These initiatives will empower private cultural firms to grow and draw in greater social capital.
He also highlighted the necessity of safeguarding private property rights and enforcing intellectual property regulations. Legal clarity in these areas is fundamental for building investor trust and ensuring creators receive equitable compensation for their contributions, a critical foundation for a sustainable cultural industry.
From a business standpoint, Nguyen Quoc Ky, Chairman of Vietravel Holdings, pointed out the advantages of close collaboration between the government and private entities. Effective public-private partnerships can harness untapped social resources and enhance project execution across various economic domains, particularly in cultural tourism, a leading sector in Vietnam’s cultural landscape.
He encouraged businesses to take the initiative in innovation, embrace technology, and improve operational efficiency to build credibility and deliver high-quality cultural products to the market.
