Lawmakers caution against judging Vietnam’s film industry solely by high-grossing films as dozens struggle with financial losses.
On the morning of October 29, the National Assembly discussed the draft Value-Added Tax Law, with representatives expressing concerns about support policies for cultural industry development.
Representative Bui Hoai Son from Hanoi expressed that Vietnam’s culture is facing significant challenges. Despite efforts and achievements in recent years, he warned against undue optimism.
Tran Thanh in the film "Nha Ba Nu," which earned nearly VND 500 billion. Photo: Provided by producers
“We have made strides in cultural development. However, we are witnessing cultural infiltration. Cultural imports - movies, songs, lifestyles, even thoughts from abroad - are eroding the spirit and soul of the Vietnamese people,” he observed.
He further noted that while Vietnamese people physically remain in the country, their minds and spirits are being influenced by platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
Son argued, “We can’t just look at Tran Thanh or Ly Hai’s films earning hundreds of billions and conclude that Vietnamese cinema is thriving because dozens of other films are incurring losses. Similarly, seeing one or two musical shows or a few artists living luxuriously does not mean the entire Vietnamese arts sector is wealthy, as hundreds of programs and thousands of artists are struggling.”
He emphasized that a civilized society listens to and fosters creativity among artists and cultural practitioners.
During a time when national pride and spirit are crucial, Son stressed the importance of supporting cultural products made by Vietnamese, for Vietnamese, and about Vietnamese.
The Hanoi representative advocated for favorable conditions for cultural and artistic products, ensuring that taxes “do not hinder patriotism, national pride, or the aspiration for national development.”
Representative Bui Hoai Son from Hanoi. Photo: National Assembly
Representative Tran Thi Thu Dong from Bac Lieu echoed these sentiments, noting that Vietnam’s cultural, economic, and sports industries are positioned as engines for socio-economic development. However, increasing the VAT at this time could “stifle” growth and diminish competitiveness.
Dong cited international examples where many countries support culture, arts, and sports through direct policies such as budget allocations and indirect measures like reduced VAT and preferential tax rates.
She suggested maintaining the VAT at 5% for cultural and sports activities to preserve flexibility and effectiveness in management.
Explaining further, Le Quang Manh, Chairman of the National Assembly's Finance and Budget Committee, agreed on creating a supportive environment for cultural and artistic development, calling it a crucial priority.
However, Manh cautioned that excluding cultural and artistic services from taxes altogether could negatively impact producers and service providers. He emphasized the need for careful consideration of each field and product category to identify the best solution.
Vietnamnet.vn
Podcast
.svg){kind=icon}
