VCIDA kicks off the journey to elevate Vietnam's cultural industry to the global stage.

On September 13 in Ho Chi Minh City, the Vietnam Cultural Industry Development Association (VCIDA) was officially launched and announced its strategic cooperation under the theme “Vietnam’s Cultural Industry – The Soft Power of the Digital Era.” The event marks an important milestone in efforts to build a cultural industry ecosystem, aiming to make this field a spearhead sector of the national economy.

Established under Decision No. 541/QD-BNV dated May 30, 2025, by the Ministry of Home Affairs, VCIDA sets its sights on promoting the role of culture in the context of deep international integration, while striving to contribute around 7% of GDP by 2030. With this vision, the association aspires to become a central hub connecting state agencies, businesses, artists, and the creative community, thereby driving cultural industries to become a key economic sector and creating space for Vietnamese cultural products to spread more strongly in international markets.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, People’s Artist Vuong Duy Bien – Chairman of VCIDA – emphasized that Vietnamese culture is facing a great opportunity to affirm its position in the digital era. He cited a series of activities held on the occasion of National Day, September 2 – from parades and exhibitions to artistic and cinematic programs – as evidence of the powerful resonance of culture when organized systematically and professionally. According to him, this is clear proof of Vietnam’s potential to transform culture into a new driver of development.

He stated that Ho Chi Minh City holds unique potential and an important position to lead in developing the cultural industry, generating resources for the creative economy and spreading momentum to other localities. Therefore, VCIDA will soon open an office in the city to connect sectors, units, and organize events effectively. As a national focal point, VCIDA aims to foster a cultural industry that is professional, creative, integrated, and sustainable, built on five core values: creativity, identity, connectivity, market creation, and sustainable development.

Affirming its development orientation tied to cooperation, within the framework of the event, VCIDA signed numerous important agreements with domestic and international partners such as Tang Event Australia (an international-standard cultural event organizer), Arobid (developer of a digital ecosystem for the cultural industry), Dinner Incredible (culinary arts elevating the Vietnamese experience), GonChill Tourist Pass (a cultural tourism–entertainment platform for youth), DatVietVAC Group Holdings (partnering to promote the cultural industry’s development)… along with many units in education, creative startups, and festivals. These commitments are expected to open opportunities for Vietnamese cultural products not only to access international markets but also to increase economic value domestically.

As one of the strategic partners, Mr. Tran Van Chin – Chairman of the Board of Directors of Arobid Technology JSC – shared: “VCIDA’s scope of activity is vast, and we see clear opportunities in the digital era. Products and services under VCIDA, once integrated into Arobid’s system, will not only have additional promotional channels but also make it easier to find customers and sign online contracts. For artistic products, the application of 3D technology to showcase them on our platform will enable more convenient promotion. The long-term goal is to build the first digital art museum in Vietnam, both spreading cultural values and serving as an effective commercial bridge between artists and the public.”

Looking toward the future, VCIDA aspires not only to make the cultural industry a socio-economic pillar but also to transform Vietnam into an attractive destination for investors, artists, and international visitors. This journey requires the collaboration of many stakeholders, yet it also opens up great prospects for Vietnamese culture to reach the global stage.