Culture as driving force for Dong Nai’s development

Culture is not only the spiritual foundation of society but also an important endogenous resource that drives sustainable growth.

As Viet Nam enters a new phase of development, culture must be not only preserved but also harnessed as a direct driver of economic growth. Cultural heritage, festivals, cuisine, traditional craft villages and the arts can inspire distinctive products that attract visitors, fuel the growth of cultural industries and open up new opportunities in the digital economy.

For Dong Nai, making the most of its cultural heritage and identity is particularly important as the city works towards its major development goals in 2026. Amid urbanisation and the expansion of industry, trade and services, building a modern city requires more than investing in infrastructure and expanding urban areas. It also means creating a living environment rooted in local identity, where residents can enjoy a rich cultural life and take pride in their city.

To mark Viet Nam Culture Day on November 24, a cultural week themed “Vietnamese Soul – Dong Nai Colours – Rising with the Nation” is scheduled to open that evening at the Dong Nai Investment, Trade and Tourism Promotion Centre. Featuring a wide range of activities, the event is expected to give residents and visitors an opportunity to experience local culture firsthand. It will bring traditional values to life, showcase Dong Nai’s cultural identity and create more opportunities to link culture with tourism and local economic development.

To ensure these activities deliver lasting benefits, businesses, artisans and local communities should be encouraged to take part. Public funding should be combined with resources mobilised from businesses and the wider community, with an emphasis on cost-effectiveness, safety and practical results. Digital technologies and artificial intelligence can also open up new ways to present cultural heritage and promote cultural products, making local culture more accessible and appealing to young people and international audiences. More importantly, the cultural week should be judged not simply by the scale of the event or the number of attendees, but by whether it helps develop distinctive cultural products, generates lasting impact and improves public access to cultural activities.

As Dong Nai moves forward, it needs strong economic momentum as well as a solid cultural foundation to shape its identity and sustain its ambitions for development. When culture becomes an integral part of daily life, a source of pride and creativity for local residents, traditional values will not conflict with modernity but will instead serve as a foundation for innovation. This will enable the young city to grow rapidly without losing touch with its roots, deepen its international integration while preserving its distinctive identity, and contribute to the country’s progress in a new era.

By M.Ngoc – Translated by M.Nguyet, Thu Ha