(VOVWORLD) - Ho Chi Minh City has been named a new member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) for film, becoming Vietnam’s first - and Southeast Asia’s only - representative in this category.
 Deputy Foreign Minister Ngo Le Van |
On the occasion of World Cities Day (October 31), UNESCO officially designated 58 cities as new members of the UCCN, including HCM City. Deputy Foreign Minister Ngo Le Van described the recognition a milestone in the realization of Vietnam’s policies on international integration and cultural revitalization in the new era.
By joining the network, HCM City will gain opportunities to exchange ideas, expertise, and experiences with others worldwide, and to collaborate on international film projects.
The recognition is also expected to help the city harness its creative potential, broaden cultural access, and foster the growth of its cultural industries, which aim to contribute 7.2% of its GRDP by 2030.
Established in 2004, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network now includes more than 400 cities from over 100 countries, spanning eight creative fields: crafts and folk art, media arts, design, film, gastronomy, literature, music, and architecture.
Vietnam now counts four members of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network: Ha Noi, Da Lat, Hoi An, and HCM City.