Ho Chi Minh City promotes the pioneering role of cultural diplomacy in international integration

The People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) has just released a preliminary report summarizing 5 years of implementing the Cultural Diplomacy Strategy to 2030 in the city. In the context of the country entering a new stage of development with the requirement of deep international integration, cultural diplomacy continues to be identified by HCMC as one of the three important pillars of foreign affairs activities.

Spreading the image of a dynamic, friendly and rich-in-identity Vietnam

In the period of 2021 - 2025, Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong province and Ba Ria - Vung Tau province (before the merger) have concretized the Cultural Diplomacy Strategy to 2030 with many synchronous action programs, linking culture, economy and politics to spread the image of a dynamic, friendly and rich-in-identity Vietnam to the world.

According to the Ho Chi Minh City Electronic Information Portal, in Ho Chi Minh City (old), many typical cultural diplomacy activities have been organized such as: art, fashion, sports, and culinary performances within the framework of conferences, festivals, and investment - tourism - trade promotion events; traditional cultural promotion activities such as the Ao Dai Festival, Ho Chi Minh City Friendship Dialogue, or art performances celebrating diplomatic relations with other countries.

The Meet Korea program was held in Binh Duong province (old). (Photo: hochiminhcity.gov.vn)

The city also actively hosts many international cultural and sports exchange events such as the Vietnam - Japan Festival, the 2024 Teqball World Championship, and the 2025 Vietnam - Korea Cultural Friendship Festival, creating a strong ripple effect. These activities have helped the city incorporate cultural elements into foreign affairs programs, thereby enhancing overall effectiveness in terms of politics, economy and culture.

Binh Duong province also promotes cultural diplomacy through the programs "Meeting Korea", "Meeting Japan", "Meeting Singapore", along with many prestigious international sports tournaments such as the 3-Cushion Carom Billiards Tournament, Biwase Cup International Cycling Tournament.

Ba Ria - Vung Tau province (old) maintains cultural and sports exchange activities with other countries, typically the "Friendship Melody" Festival and cooperation programs with Russia, Japan, Thailand, Laos... contributing to introducing the local image to the world.

Promoting the pioneering role of cultural diplomacy

From July 1, 2025, the merger of three localities (Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong and Ba Ria - Vung Tau) along with the two-level government model poses new requirements in the organization, personnel and management of cultural diplomacy. Updating data, adjusting policies and building a unified coordination mechanism between units are urgent tasks. In the context of the world forecasting many fluctuations, cultural diplomacy is considered an important "soft power", helping Vietnam expand its influence and maintain foreign stability.

Cultural diplomacy continues to be one of the three important pillars in Ho Chi Minh City's foreign affairs. (Photo: hochiminhcity.gov.vn)

Entering a new phase, Ho Chi Minh City (after the merger) determined that cultural diplomacy continues to be an important pillar in the international integration strategy, contributing to building the image of a modern, dynamic and unique megacity. The city continues to implement the Cultural Diplomacy Strategy to 2030 with a flexible and creative spirit, closely following the goals of socio-economic development and international integration.

The city sets out 7 key tasks for the 2026-2030 period: perfecting the theoretical and policy basis and raising awareness of cultural diplomacy; reviewing and adjusting the action plan in accordance with the new apparatus and scope; closely linking cultural diplomacy with political and economic diplomacy; building an international brand for the city and promoting Vietnamese cultural values; absorbing the quintessence of human culture while promoting cultural exchanges between ethnic groups; promoting the application of technology, digital media, and artificial intelligence in promoting culture; and improving the international integration capacity of cadres, businesses, artists, and creators to form a professional and effective cultural diplomacy force.

Specific solutions include: organizing "Ho Chi Minh City Day Abroad" in conjunction with business trips of City leaders; focusing on large-scale cultural events with focus and key points; encouraging research, training and policies in the field of cultural diplomacy; selecting and promoting the role of "Cultural Ambassadors"; utilizing overseas Vietnamese resources and Vietnamese representative agencies abroad to promote national culture; and at the same time promoting the training of high-quality human resources in the fields of culture and foreign affairs...

With that orientation, Ho Chi Minh City's cultural diplomacy in the 2026 - 2030 period is expected to continue to promote its pioneering role in international integration, promote the image of a modern and humane Vietnam, contribute to strengthening the country's soft power and practically serve the country's sustainable development.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/thanh-pho-ho-chi-minh-phat-huy-vai-tro-tien-phong-cua-ngoai-giao-van-hoa-trong-hoi-nhap-quoc-te-217232.html