Ho Chi Minh City Aims to Be a Global Cultural Metropolis by 2045

Ho Chi Minh City is embarking on an ambitious journey to transform itself into a global cultural hub by 2045. The City Party Committee has outlined a comprehensive action plan, rooted in the Politburo's Resolution No. 80-NQ/TW on developing Vietnamese culture, aiming to foster a cultural landscape that is both diverse and unified, balancing tradition with modernity and national identity with global integration.

Key milestones are set for the coming years. By 2030, the city envisions at least five iconic cultural and sports landmarks meeting international standards, alongside the complete digitization of national and city-level cultural heritage. This includes pursuing UNESCO World Heritage status for the Cu Chi Tunnels. Furthermore, the plan emphasizes strengthening community cultural and sports infrastructure, allocating a minimum of 2% of the city's annual budget to cultural development, and nurturing at least five national brands in cultural industries like film, performing arts, and tourism.

The long-term vision extends to 2045, with Ho Chi Minh City aspiring to achieve a happiness index among the highest in Asia and establish itself as a "global cultural city." Cultural industries and the creative economy are projected to become pillars of sustainable development, contributing significantly to the city's GDP and export value. The strategy also focuses on improving policies to unlock social resources, enhance the legal framework for cultural development, and provide better support for artists and cultural professionals. The creation of a "livable city" network, connecting green spaces with community cultural areas and leveraging the city's waterfronts, is central to this vision, ensuring that cultural development enhances the quality of life for all residents.