The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has approved a plan to preserve and develop traditional costumes of ethnic minority peoples throughout Viet Nam.

Mông people in the northern province of Ha Giang continue to wear traditional costumes for daily life and important events. — Photo tapchidulich.com.vn

The plan, part of Decision 209/QĐ-BVHTTDL signed by culture minister Nguyen Ngoc Thien, will have an investment of VNĐ230 billion (US$9.9 million) and will be implemented in two periods between 2019 and 2030.

The plan will gather a list of costumes of ethnic minority groups and encourage all pupils of ethnic minority groups across the country to wear traditional costumes twice a week and during festivals.

The plan also aims to praise old artisans making handicraft products involving traditional costumes.

Of the funding, VNĐ51 billion ($2.2 million) will be taken from the State budget while the rest will be paid by localities.

The plan aims to preserve the traditional costumes of ethnic minorities groups, which are becoming less popular due to the rapid urbanisation and modernisation of mountainous areas of the country.

It meets the State’s requirement of making “cultural heritage driving force and purpose” for sustainable cultural development among Viet Nam’s minority groups. — VNS