Lawmakers have expressed strong interest in policies to repatriate artifacts and national treasures, as many valuable Vietnamese relics remain scattered overseas.
The National Assembly on Wednesday morning discussed a draft resolution outlining breakthrough mechanisms and policies to advance Vietnam’s cultural development.
Venerable Thich Duc Thien, representing Dien Bien, said the resolution is a timely institutionalization of the Party’s policy, affirming that investment in culture is an investment in sustainable development.
He paid particular attention to policies aimed at bringing artifacts back to Vietnam, noting that many rare and valuable items are still abroad. These relics not only carry historical significance but also help affirm cultural identity and national sovereignty.
Venerable Thich Duc Thien speaks at the National Assembly session on the morning of April 22.
The draft resolution proposes a 100% exemption on import tax and customs fees, along with no value-added tax, for high-value artworks, national treasures and rare artifacts when they are purchased or auctioned and brought back to Vietnam.
According to the delegate, such policies are necessary to mobilize social resources for repatriation efforts. However, he suggested further financial incentives, such as income tax deductions based on the value of repatriated artifacts or state co-financing mechanisms for acquiring exceptionally rare items at auction.
He also proposed the establishment of state-level honors for individuals and organizations that successfully bring culturally significant artifacts back to the country.
Regarding policies for preserving ethnic minority cultures, the delegate emphasized the need for tailored mechanisms that place communities at the center, while maximizing the effectiveness of national target programs.
Policies should focus on preserving languages, cultural spaces and community life, including encouraging the use of mother tongues and maintaining traditional village structures amid urbanization.
He also called for appropriate recognition, regular allowances and formal honors for artisans, village elders and individuals who safeguard unique cultural knowledge.
Discussions at the National Assembly indicate that beyond funding challenges, human factors - from artists and artisans to ethnic communities - are becoming central to cultural development policies, with an emphasis not only on preservation but also on ensuring sustainable livelihoods for those directly involved.
A need for tailored social security policies for artists
Delegate Nguyen Khanh Vu shares his views on cultural policy during discussions on the draft resolution.
Speaking on the proposal to allocate at least 2% of the total state budget to culture, delegate Nguyen Khanh Vu from Quang Tri described it as a strong political commitment. However, he stressed that the government must clarify the structure of this funding within the resolution to ensure its feasibility.
He suggested that the 2% allocation should be calculated based on the consolidated state budget, including both central and local levels. Currently, there are significant disparities in fiscal capacity among localities, while many disadvantaged regions are home to important tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
“If the regulation remains too general, these localities will not be able to shoulder the responsibility,” he said, recommending that the central budget play a leading role in national-scale projects, major heritage preservation efforts and large cultural models.
For local governments, he proposed targeted financial support mechanisms for areas with limited revenue but significant cultural preservation responsibilities. Without clear delineation between “central coordination” and “local implementation”, disparities in cultural development across regions could widen.
Another issue he highlighted is policy support for artists and cultural workers. While increasing professional allowances from 40% to 60% is necessary, he said clearer criteria are needed regarding eligibility and career stages across different artistic fields.
He emphasized that performing arts require long training periods starting at a young age, yet offer relatively short active careers. Therefore, a tailored “occupational social security” mechanism is needed, including career transition training and post-career support.
“We must not only attract talent but also ensure they can dedicate themselves without worrying about their future once their performing careers end,” Vu said.
Vietnamnet.vn
Podcast
.svg){kind=icon}
