Vietnam's Cultural Day Initiative Features Paid Leave

The Vietnamese government is advancing a proposal to declare November 24 as “Vietnam Culture Day,” allowing workers to enjoy a fully paid day off. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enrich the nation’s cultural framework and enhance its global identity.

Presented by Lam Thi Phuong Thanh, the draft resolution proposes a suite of policies designed to transform Vietnam's cultural landscape. Notably, it envisages allocating at least 2 percent of the national budget to cultural development while also seeking private investment opportunities.

Additionally, the government plans to incentivize growth within cultural industries, including film and performing arts, by introducing tax cuts and infrastructure enhancements. A 5 percent reduced value-added tax on cultural activities and potential waivers on import duties for valuable art pieces and heritage items are also part of the plan.

Cultural preservation is a prioritized focus, with policies aimed at maintaining traditional values and promoting them globally. The initiative includes organizing cultural festivals internationally and displaying Vietnamese heritage in global museums.

The proposal underscores the importance of digital innovation, advocating for a national cultural database and the digitization of heritage sites as a means to modernize cultural management.

Furthermore, the initiative is set to enhance cultural human resources through targeted training, financial support for artists, and career transition programs. It also considers the establishment of cultural funds and public-private partnerships to ensure sustainable growth.

By designating Vietnam Culture Day as a paid holiday, the proposal aims to foster cultural appreciation among citizens and boost the creative economy. Legislative committees have expressed support for this initiative, which is part of a broader reform agenda to position culture as a vital component of economic and social development.