On the morning of April 20, authorized by the Prime Minister, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Lam Thi Phuong Thanh presented to the National Assembly a draft resolution outlining several breakthrough mechanisms and policies for the development of Vietnamese culture. The proposal includes 10 major policy groups aimed at advancing the cultural sector.

First, regarding resources, the government proposes that state spending on culture should account for at least 2% of total annual state budget expenditure, while also encouraging the mobilization of social resources for cultural development.

Second, to attract and unlock investment resources, the proposal includes policies to support access to land and premises, as well as tax and fee incentives for the establishment of cultural creative clusters and industrial zones. It also suggests assigning local communities the management and operation of certain grassroots cultural and sports facilities.

Third, on investment incentives, the government proposes applying a 5% value-added tax rate to activities such as film production, distribution and exhibition, as well as exhibitions, sports, and performing arts. It also recommends a full exemption from import taxes and customs fees for high-value artworks, national treasures, and rare antiques purchased abroad and brought back to Vietnam for non-profit exhibition purposes.

Fourth, the government emphasizes the need to focus on preserving and promoting the value of national cultural heritage.

Fifth, it proposes preferential policies to nurture and develop specialized human resources in the cultural and sports sectors. These include intensive training programs both domestically and abroad, recruitment mechanisms that do not require competitive exams, increased professional allowances, and support for artisans and artists. It also includes retraining policies to help artists transition careers after retiring from performance.

Sixth, the government suggests implementing a commissioning mechanism for the creation and dissemination of high-value cultural works in terms of ideology, content, and artistic merit. It also proposes piloting a lump-sum funding mechanism tied to specific criteria and conditions.

Seventh, the proposal highlights the need to promote Vietnam’s image and people internationally through initiatives such as organizing Vietnam Culture Weeks abroad, expanding Vietnamese cultural streets, and hosting themed exhibitions of Vietnamese cultural heritage at reputable international museums.

Eighth, regarding digital transformation, the government stresses prioritizing investment in a national cultural database, digital cultural infrastructure, and shared platforms. It also proposes digitizing nationally recognized heritage sites and establishing cultural innovation centers.

Ninth, the government suggests piloting the establishment of cultural and arts funds at both central and local levels, operating under public-private partnership models.

Finally, the proposal seeks to formalize the designation of November 24 as Vietnam Culture Day, with workers entitled to a paid day off.

Labor Law amendment to follow

Presenting the review report, Chairman of the National Assembly’s Committee for Culture and Society Nguyen Dac Vinh expressed agreement with the proposal to designate November 24 as Vietnam Culture Day with paid leave.

However, some opinions noted that the provision granting paid leave directly relates to labor law. According to the legislative roadmap, the National Assembly is expected to consider and pass amendments to the Labor Code at its second session in October under a streamlined procedure.

Therefore, the committee recommended incorporating this provision into the Labor Code to ensure consistency and coherence within the legal system.

The reviewing body also largely endorsed policies aimed at attracting investment in cultural development but suggested clearly defining the principles for applying preferential policies. This would ensure a solid legal basis for effectively mobilizing resources while avoiding overlaps with existing incentives.

Investment incentives in the cultural sector were also supported, including pilot programs allowing local authorities to develop heritage urban models with preferential policies on land, fees, and charges.

However, some opinions called for clearer criteria to select pilot localities, as well as defined principles for applying such incentives, along with a suitable implementation roadmap to avoid dispersion and ensure efficient use of resources.

Regarding the pilot application of lump-sum budget allocation mechanisms for certain cultural production activities, the committee expressed support, noting that it could enhance flexibility and efficiency in budget use.

Nevertheless, it recommended specifying key elements such as the list of eligible tasks, methods for determining funding levels, evaluation criteria, and oversight mechanisms, providing a basis for detailed government regulations and ensuring consistent implementation.

The committee also agreed with the proposal to establish a “Cultural and Arts Fund” but noted that this is a new policy with broad implications, directly affecting the management and use of state capital as well as mechanisms for mobilizing social resources, while current legislation lacks comprehensive provisions for such a model.

It therefore recommended a thorough assessment of organizational structures, governance mechanisms - including the principle that fund resources should not be used to pay administrative personnel - capital mobilization methods, the ratio of state and private sector participation, and principles for risk-sharing and accountability among stakeholders.

Tran Thuong