Hanoi (VNA) - The timing and plan for investing in cultural centres abroad should be thoughtfully ꩵevaluated, in the face of other pending domestic projects, according to several National Assembly deputies.

The cultural industry is a key sector of the knowledge economy, contributing to the promotion, protection, and development of national identity. However, some deputies questioned the need to prioritize investments in Vietnam's cultural centres abroad, given the existing domestic construction needs. During the session on June 19, regarding the national target program for cultural development from 2025 to 2035, Deputy Le Thi Song An, Vice Head of the Long An Provincial Delegation, stated that developing cultural industries is crucial, as it helps achieve the country's cultural development goals, targets, tasks, and solutions. The cultural industry is a vital part of the knowledge economy, promoting and preserving national identity. The program aims for the cultural industries to contribute 7% to the national GDP by 2030 and 8% by 2035, with an average annual growth rate of 7%. Additionally, the Strategy for the Development of Vietnam's Cultural Industries by 2020, with a vision towards 2030, clearly outlines that cultural industries are an essential component of the national economy and identifies 12 sectors within this industry. “The program should clearly define which of these 12 sectors should receive focused investment and which areas require mechanisms and policies to encourage social participation, in order to mobilize resources effectively,” An noted. When it comes to building local cultural institutions, especially in industrial zones, An highlighted several ongoing challenges. Investment in building cultural facilities for workers in industrial zones remains limited and insufficient to meet their needs, she said. Regarding the establishment of Vietnamese cultural centres abroad, An emphasised the need to carefully consider whether such investments in the 2025-2035 period are truly necessary.

“We can leverage the Fourth Industrial Revolution to enhance the promotion of Vietnamese culture through digital platforms, which will yield better results,” An remarked. She emphasized that most people turn to online platforms to seek information about culture, cuisine, and tourism. Therefore, the government should prioritize the completion of essential domestic projects to strengthen national communication efforts and ensure solid internal development. Additionally, there should be a suitable roadmap for investing in cultural institutions abroad, especially given the ongoing economic challenges, An said. Likewise, National Assembly Deputy Nguyen Quang Huan from the Binh Duong delegation expressed his concern over the proposed total investment of 256 trillion VND (nearly 11 billion USD), which he argued lacks practical grounding. Many representatives shared the view that this program's scope and scale are very large, involving ten components and hundreds of detailed activities. Deputy Trinh Xuan An from the Dong Nai delegation expressed concern about the total investment of 256 trillion VND. "We need to evaluate which areas should be prioritized and focused on, especially given the significant amount of funding involved. We must be responsible for every dollar spent," emphasized Deputy Trinh Xuan An./.