Developing Vietnam’s cultural industries requires empowering artists, upgrading infrastructure, and fostering collaboration between creators and policymakers, experts suggest.

Vietnam’s cultural industries are poised to contribute 7% of GDP by 2030, with Ho Chi Minh City leading the charge in cinema, performing arts, and cultural tourism.

It is expected that total revenue from eight cultural industries will be roughly VND148 trillion by 2030 (VND53.2 trillion by 2025 and VND94.8 trillion by 2030) in HCM City.

Vietnam’s cultural industries achieved positive outcomes in 2024, paving the way for enhanced public access and international collaboration in 2025.

Associate Professor, Dr. Bui Hoai Son believes that the institutional regime, infrastructure, and people are the most important factors to develop sustainable culture. This includes attracting international stars to HCM City.

At a national cultural conference, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh lauded the success of Anh trai concerts and urged efforts to replicate such achievements nationwide.

Vietnam’s performing arts sector shows promise, but inadequate training and funding models remain obstacles. Public-private partnerships could unlock its true potential.

A new cultural initiative in Vietnam will allocate $4.8 billion for domestic and international projects, including overseas cultural centers to strengthen diplomacy.

Vietnam’s cinematic allure is drawing global attention, with 17 major film crews committed to projects in the country by 2025, according to the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.

Cultural industries, still having much room to develop and contribute more to the national economy, are being considered an important resource to be maximised to boost the GDP growth.

The attitude that the cultural industry spends too much but cannot earn enough money has impeded calls for investment in the industry.